



:~<^:& *A\*^J 



Entered according to Act of Congress 

in the year 1903, by 

HARRISON L. HARRIS, 

IN THE OFFICE OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS 

at Washington, D. C. 

ALL EIG-HTS BESEEVED. 




DR. HARRISON L. HARRIS. 

ELECTED GKAND SECRETARY 1884. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK 

A CONCISE 

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF NASONRY, 

And the Organization of Masonic Grand Lodges, 

and especially of Masonry among Colored 

Men in America; 

ALSO, A COMPILATION OF 

THE ILLUSTRATIONS OF MASONIC WORK, 

As dratvn from the Most Reliable Authorities 
on the subject, 

By HARRISON L. HARRIS, M D., 
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. 




PETERSBURG, VA.: 

The Masonic Visitor Company 

1902. 



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THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 

Two Copiei Received 

APR 3 1903 

£. Copyright Entry 

CUSS a, XXc, No. 

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PREFACE. 



In 1882, when the author of this work was a much 
younger man than he is to-day, and when he was a 
member of the Grand Lodge of Virginia for the first 
time, a resolution was offered, which set out the ex- 
istence of the need of a Text-Book of Masonry, which 
should be prepared for the use of the Masons who were 
under the jurisdiction of the (colored) Grand Lodge 
of A. F. Masons. 

Again in 1895, a resolution embodying the same 
thought was adopted. But this time, it went further, 
and designated the Grand Secretary of the Grand 
Lodge, Dr. H. L. Harris, as the compiler of the work. 

At the session of the Grand Lodge in 1896 a synop- 
sis of the compilation was presented and read to the 
body, which sat as a committee of the whole. It was 
heartily approved; and arrangements were entered 
into looking to its publication by the Grand Lodge. 
In 1901 the Grand Lodge made an appropriation for 
the publication; and having previously appointed a 
committee to supervise the work, the author set about 
the arrangement of his manuscript for publication. 
And now after several months of earnest labor — dur- 
ing all of which time he has been compelled to attend 



4 MASONIC TEXT-BOOK, 

to an exacting medical practice, and to look after 
other business matters which could not be neglected, 
he is pleased to be able to present this work to his 
brethren who have honored him with their confidence. 

In making this presentation it is his earnest wish 
that the brethren may find some small benefit in their 
search for information on the subjects usually treated 
of in a Text-Book on Masonry. The craft is especially 
recommended to accept the Illustrations as presented: 
as they have been most carefully compared with the 
works of such standard authorities as Preston, Webb, 
Cross, and other equally celebrated masonic lights. 

In the hope that they appreciate the work which 
has been done for their benefit the author respectfully 
presents the fruits of his labor, to the members of the 
Ancient and honorable society of Free Masons of the 
United States of America. 

P. G. M. James H. Hayes, 

P. G. M. Benj. A. Graves, 

P. G. M. James Hugo Johnston, 

Committee of Publication of the 
Attest: M. W. Grand Lodge of Virginia. 

H. L. Harris, M. D., Grand Secretary. 



HARRIS' MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 



CHAPTER I. 

A DEFINITION OF MASONRY . 

As preliminary to the question of its origin, which 
is the subject with which most authors begin their 
Text-Books, we will first consider what is Masonry! 
A very distinguished Masonic author, Dr. John Dove, 
writing on this subject, says: 

At the present day, among all enlightened members 
of the fraternity, it has two meanings, under the style 
of operative and speculative Masonry. By the former it 
is, under its synonyme, Geometry, made to conduce 
to man's temporal wants by furnishing shelters from 
the weather, and by the appliances of architectural 
symmetry, varied by the tastes and talents of succeed- 
ing generations, has imprinted its existence into every 
country and clime where civilization prevails, by those 
magnificent structures which are the pride and admi- 
ration of every nation. 

By Speculative Masonry, we mean Virtue in its most 
tender sense, as taught by the daily exercise of Bro- 
therly love, Relief and Truth, and which compels or 
requires the initiated to subdue the passions, act upon 
the square, keep a tongue of good report, maintain 



6 HARRIS' 

secrecy and practice charity. It is so intimately in- 
terwoven with religion as to lay its professors under 
the strongest obligation to pay to the Deity that ra- 
tional and heart emanating homage which at once con- 
stitutes their duty and happiness. Eeasoning, then, 
on these acknowledged data, it will not be necessary 
to detain the reader with a long account of the Origin 
of Masonry. Certain it is, and must be, that when 
the first man was formed in the image of God, the 
principles of Masonry, as a Divine gift from Heaven 
were stamped upon his heart by the Great Architect 
of the Universe. This then is the explanation of what 
Masonry is. 

CHAPTEE II. 

ORIGIN OF MASONRY. 

As to its origin I have not been able to find any 
more fitting or expressive words with which to de- 
scribe it than the following quotation from the 
writings of that truly learned Masonic scholar, 
Brother William Preston, of the Lodge of Antiquity 
of London, England, who says: 

"From the commencement of the world we may 
trace the foundation of Masonry. Ever since symme- 
try began, and harmony displayed her charms our 
Order has had a being. During many ages, and in 
many different countries, it has flourished. No art, 
no science preceded it. In the dark periods of an- 
tiquity, when literature was in a low state, and the 
rude manners of our forefathers withheld from them 
that knowledge we now so amply share, Masonry dif- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 7 

fused its influence. Thus science unveiled, arts arose, 
civilization took place, and the progress of knowl- 
edge and philosophy gradually dispelled the gloom of 
ignorance and barbarism. Government being settled, 
authority was given to laws, and the assemblies of the 
Fraternity acquired the patronage of the great and 
the good, while the tenets of the profession diffused 
unbounded utility. 

" Abstracting from pure pleasures, which arise 
from friendship, so wisely constituted as that which 
subsists among Masons, and which it is scarcely pos- 
sible that any circumstance or occurrence can erase, 
Masonry is a science confined to no particular country, 
but extends over the whole terrestrial globe. Wherever 
arts flourish there it flourishes, too. Add to this, that 
by secret and inviolable signs, carefully preserved 
among the Fraternity, it becomes an universal lan- 
guage. Hence many advantages are gained. The 
distant Chinese, the wild Arab and the American 
savage will embrace a brother Briton, and will 
know that beside the common ties of humanity there 
is still a stronger obligation to induce him to kind 
and friendly offices. The spirit of the fulminating 
priest will be tamed, and the moral brother, though 
of a different persuasion, engage his esteem; for 
mutual' toleration in religious opinions is one of the 
most distinguishing and valuable characteristics of 
the Craft. As all religions teach morality, if a 
brother be found to act the part of a truly, honest 
man, his private speculative opinions are left to God 
and himself. 



8 HARRIS' 

" Thus, through the influence of Masonry, which is 
reconcilable to the best policy, all those disputes 
which embitter life, and sour the tempers of men, are 
avoided, while the common good the general object, 
is zealously pursued. 

"From this view of our system, its utility must be 
sufficiently obvious. The universal principles of the 
art unite, in one indissoluble bond of affection, men 
of the most opposite tenets, of the most distant coun- 
tries, and of the most contradictory opinions, so that 
in every nation a Mason will find a friend, and in 
every clime a* home. 

"Such is the nature of our institution, that in the 
Lodge, union is cemented by sincere attachment, and 
pleasure is reciprocally communicated in the cheerful 
observance of every obliging office. Virtue, the 
grand object in view, luminous as the meridian sun, 
shines refulgent on the mind, enlivens the heart, and 
heightens cool approbation into warm sympathy and 
cordial attention." 

Having learned the origin of Masonry, and what it 
is, we are prepared in the next chapter to consider its 
Antiquity. 

CHAPTER III. 

THE ANTIQUITY OF MASONRY AS DERIVED FROM 
HOLY WRIT. 

That Adam, our great progenitor, was ignorant of 
the principles of geometry can hardly be supposed; 
for after his expulsion from the garden of Eden, he 
built an habitation for himself and family, and no 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 9 

doubt instructed his descendants in that noble science, 
and its application to whatsoever crafts were conve- 
nient for those early times. 

Cain, with his family and adherents, being prein- 
structed in the principles of geometry and architect- 
ure, built a strong city and called it Dedicate or Conse- 
crate, after the name of his eldest son Enoch, whose 
race, following his example, improved themselves not 
only in geometry and masonry, but made discoveries 
of several other useful arts. 

The descendents of Seth came nothing behind those 
of Cain, in the cultivation of geometry and masonry. 
This patriarch greatly profited in those noble sciences, 
under the tuition of Adam, with whom he lived till 
the year of the world 930, and succeeded him in the 
direction of the Craft; who, as a monument of his 
superior abilities, and love to posterity, foreseeing the 
universal desolation which would happen by fire or 
water, and deprive mankind of those arts and sciences 
at that time existing, raised two pillars of stone, and 
inscribed thereon an abridgement of the arts and 
sciences, particularly geometry or masonry, in order 
to withstand the overthrow of the flood, which 
Josephus, the historian, informs us were to be seen in 
his time, in the land of Siriad, by the name of Seth's 
or Enoch's pillars. 

Methuselah, with his son Lamech and grand son 
Noah retired from the corrupt world, and in their own 
peculiar family preserved the religion of the prom- 
ised Messiah pure, and also the art of Masonry till the 
flood. 



10 HARRIS 1 

The ark was built on principles of geometry. Noah 
and his family, besides a number of all created beings, 
were saved from the general deluge; he and his three 
sons are therefore the progenitors of the present race 
of mankind. 

From the Sacred Writings we learn that Noah and 
his sons, being all of one language and speech, it 
came to pass as they journeyed from the East to the 
West, they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and 
dwelt there together as Noachidae or sons of Noah, the 
first name of Masons, and under which name many 
brethren are known in France up to the present day. 

In following that great luminary of the Craft, the 
Holy Bible, we fiud the tower of Babel was built, and 
before its entire completion, by the will of the Divine 
Architect, the language of the builders were con- 
founded, and the people dispersed, all of which shows 
that, after the dispersion, they still carried with 
them the knowledge of Masonry, and improved it to 
a great degree of perfection. 

Nimrod or Belus, the son of Cush, the eldest son 
of Ham, and founder of the Babylonian monarchy, 
kept possession of the plain, and founded the first 
great empire at Babylon. 

From Shinar the science and the art were carried to 
distant parts of the world, notwithstanding the con- 
fusion of the dialects and which is presumed to have 
given rise to the universal practice of conversing with- 
out speaking, and communications between Masons 
by tokens or signs. 

Mizraim, the second son of Ham, carried to, and 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 11 

preserved in Egypt, the original skill, and cultivated 
the arts — monuments of which are still extant in that 
country under the name of Pyramids, which are, and 
have been, the universal admiration of succeeding 
ages. The successors of Mizraim, who were styled the 
sons of ancient kings, encouraged the art, down to the 
last of their race, the learned king Amasis. 

It is presumed that the offspring of Shem propagat- 
ed the science as far as China and Japan. 

Abraham, born two years after the death of Noah, 
had learned the science, before the Grand Architect 
of the Universe called him to travel from Ur of the 
Ohaldees. He communicated it to the Canaanites, for 
which they honored him as a prince. 

Isaac, Ishmael and Jacob, no doubt were taught 
the science by their progenitor. Joseph was also 
well instructed by his father, for the Scripture in- 
forms us he excelled the Egyptians in knowledge, 
and was installed by Pharaoh himself as a ruler over 
the people. 

It is well known and needs no comment here, that 
Melchizedeck is recognized amongst us as one of the 
most venerable patrons of the Order. 

That the Israelites practiced Masonry in Egypt is a 
well authenticated fact from the Bible. We read, 
1 'they were trained up" to the building of two cities 
with stone and brick for the Egyptians, and it undoubt- 
edly was the design of the Most High to make them 
expert Masons before they should possess the prom- 
ised land. 

In their peregrinations through the wilderness, after 



12 HARRIS' 

their singular deliverance from Egyptian bondage, on 
their voyage to the land which was promised they 
should possess for an inheritance forever, God was 
pleased to inspire Moses, and gave him the decalogue, 
which can be summed up in those two doctrines, honor 
God and love thy neighbor, (and in what society are 
those two precepts better exemplified than among Ma- 
sons ?) When Moses, after a sojourn of forty days on 
Mount Sinai, came down with the laws, he entered into 
his tent. Aaron, his brother, who afterwards became 
high priest, came to visit him, and Moses acquainted 
him with the laws he had received from God with the 
explanation of them. After this Aaron placed him 
at the right hand of Moses; and Eleazer and Ithamar 
(sons of Aaron) were admitted, to whom Moses repeat- 
ed what he had said to Aaron. Moses afterwards de- 
clared the same over to the elders of the Sanhedrim, 
composed of seventy members, after which instruction 
he reduced the law to writing, except the explanations; 
these he thought sufficient to commit and entrust to 
their memoiies, with instructions to teach them to 
their children and their offspring. He also ordered 
the more skilful to meet him as in a lodge or taberna- 
cle, and gave them wise charges and regulations, from 
which they should not deviate. 

Joshua, the faithful follower of Moses, succeeded 
him with Caleb and Eleazer, the high priest and Phi- 
neas, his deputy. 

After the conquest and settlement of the promised 
land, the Israelites made further progress in the study 
of geometry and architecture, having many expert 
artists. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 13 

The city of Tyre or Teor was built by a great body 
of Sidonian Masons from Gabala, under a Grand Mas- 
ter and a number of princes. 

In after times, Ahibal, King of Tyre, repaired and 
beautified that city, and so did his son Hiram, being 
also a Mason. He became one of the principal archi- 
tects of that stupendous edifice, Solomon's temple, 
which has been and always will remain the admiration 
of the world. Dr. John Dove. 

CHAPTER IV. 

ANTIQUITY OF MASONRY AS DERIVED FROM A NUMBER 
OF EXTRACTS OF OLD MANUSCRIPTS AND RECORDS IN 
GREAT BRITAIN. 

I. 

An old manuscript which was destroyed with many 
others in 1720, said to have been in the possession of 
Nicholas Stone, a curious sculptor under Inigo Jones, 
contains the following particulars: 

"St. Albans loved Masons well, and cherished them 
much, and made their pay right good; for he gave 
them 2 shillings per weeke, and 3d, to their cheer, 
whereas, before that time, in all the land, a Mason 
had but a penny a day and his meat, until St. Albans 
mended itt, and he gott them a charter from the king 
and his counsell for to hold a general counsell, and 
gave it to name assemblie. Thereat he was himselfe, 
and did helpe to make Masons, and gave them good 
charges." 



14 HARRIS' 

II. 

A record of the society, written in the reign of Ed- 
ward IV, formerly in possession of the famous Elias 
Ashmole, the founder of the museum of Oxford, Eng- 
land, reads: 

"Though the ancient records of the Brotherhood in 
England were many of them destroyed or lost in the 
wars of the Saxons and Danes, yet King Athelstane, 
(the grandson of King Alfred the Great, a mighty ar- 
chitect,) the first anointed King of England, and 
who translated the Sacred Scriptures into the Saxon 
tongue, (A. D, 930,) when he had brought the land 
into rest and peace, built many great works and en- 
couraged many Masons from France, who were ap- 
pointed overseers thereof, and brought with them the 
charges and regulations of the Lodges, preserved since 
the Eoman times; who also prevailed with the king to 
improve the Constitution of the English Lodges accord- 
ing to the foreign model, and to increase the wages of 
the working Masons. 

"The said king's brother, Prince Edwin, being 
taught Masonry, and taking upon him the charges of 
a Master Mason, for the love he had to the said Craft, 
and the honorable principles whereon it is grounded, 
purchased a free charter of King Athelstane, for the 
Masons having a correction among themselves, (as it 
was anciently expressed,) or a freedom and power to 
regulate themselves, to amend what might happen 
amiss, and to hold a yearly communication and Gen- 
eral Assembly. 

"Accordingly, Prince Edwin summoned all the Ma- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 15 

sons in the realm to meet him in a congregation at 
York," whence the origin of Ancient York Masonry, 
who came and composed a general Lodge, of which he 
was Grand Master; and having brought with him all 
the writings and records extant, some in Greek, some 
in Latin, some in French and other languages, from 
the contents thereof the assembly did frame the Con- 
stitution and charges of the Ancient English Lodge; 
they made a law to preserve and observe the same in 
all time coming, and ordained good pay for working 
Masons, &c. And he made a book thereof, how the 
Craft was founded; and he himself ordered and com- 
manded that it should be read, and told when any 
Mason should be made, and for to give him his charges. 
And from that day until this time, manners of Masons 
have been kept in that form, as well as men might 
govern. 

•'Furthermore, however, at diverse assemblies, cer- 
tain charges have been made and ordained by the best 
advice of Masters and fellowes, as the exigencies of 
the Craft made necessarie." 

III. 

In the reign of King Edward the Third, the Eight 
Worshipful the Master and fellows, with the consent 
of the Lords of the realm, (for most great men were 
then Masons,) ordained as follows: 

"That for the future, at the making or admission 
of a Brother, the Constitution and the ancient charges 
should be read by the Master or Wardens." 

"That such as were to be admitted Master Masons, 



16 HARRIS' 

or Masters of the Work, should be examined whether 
they be able to serve their respective lords, as well the 
lowest as the highest, to the honor and worship of the 
aforesaid art, and to the profit of their Lord or Mas- 
ter, for they be their Lords or Masters that employ and 
pay them for their service and travel." 

IV. 

The following particulars are also contained in a 
very old manuscript, a copy of which was in the pos- 
session of the Right Worshipful George Payne, Grand 
Master, in 1718: 

"That when a Master and Wardens meet in a Lodge, 
if need be, the sheriff of the county, or the mayor of 
the city, or aldermen of the town, in which the con- 
gregation is held, should be made fellow and sociate 
to the Master, in help of him against rebels, and for 
upbearing the rights of the realm. 

"That entered prentices, at their making, were 
charged not to be thieves, or thieves' maintainers; 
that they should travel honestly for their pay, and 
love their fellowes as themselves, be true to the King 
of England, to the realm and to the Lodge. 

"That at such congregations it shall be required, 
whether any Master or fellow has broken any of the 
articles agreed to; and if the offender, being duly cited 
to appear, prove rebel, and will not attend, then the 
Lodge shall determine against him, that he shall for- 
swear (or renounce) his Masonry, and shall no more 
use this Craft, the which if he presume for to do, the 
sheriff of the county shall prison him, and shall take 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK 17 

all his goods into the King's hands, until his grace be 
granted him and issued. For this cause principally 
have these congregations been ordained, that as well 
the lowest as the highest should be well and truly 
served in the aforesaid art throughout all the King- 
dom of England. Amen — so mote it be." 

From this extract we see that the society was main- 
tained as a part of the municipal machinery of the 
country and was protected by the King's decree. 

CHAPTER V. 

ANCIENT CHARGES AT THE CONSTITUTION OF A LODGE. 

The following are extracted from a MSS. in posses- 
sion of the Lodge of Antiquity, London: 

"Every man that is a Mason take good heed to 
these charges (we pray) that if any man find himselfe 
guilty of any of these charges, that he may amend 
himselfe, or principally for dread of God, you that be 
charged to take good heed that you keepe all these 
charges well, for it is a great evill for a man to for- 
swear himselfe upon a book. 

"The first charge is, that yee shall be true men to 
God and the holy church, and to use no error or 
heresie by your understanding and by wise men's 
teaching. Allso, 

"Secondly, That yee shall be true liege men to the 
King of England, without treason or any falsehood, 
and that yee know no treason or treachery, but ye 
shall give knowledge thereof to the king or to his coun- 
sell; allso yee shall be true one to another, that is to 



18 HARRIS' 

say, every Mason of the Craft that is Mason allowed, 
yee shall doe to him as yee would be done unto 
yourselfe. 

"Thirdly, And yee shall keepe truely all thecoun- 
sell that ought to be kept in the way of Masonhood, 
and all the counsell of the Lodge or of the chamber. 
Allso, that ye shall be no thiefe or thieves to your 
knowledge free; that yee shall be true to the King, 
Lord or Master that yee serve, and truly to see and 
worke for his advantage. 

"Fourthly, Yee shall call all Masons your Fellowes, 
or your Brethren, and no other names. 

"Fifthly, Yee shall not take your Fellow's wife in 
villainy, nor deflower his daughter or servant, nor 
put him to no disworship. 

"Sixthly, Yee shall truely pay for your meat or 
drinke wheresoever ye go, to table or bord. Allso, 
yee shall do no villainy there, whereby the Craft or 
Science may be slandered. 

"These be the charges general to every true Mason, 
both Masters and Fellowes. 

"Now will I rehearse other charges single for Ma- 
sons allowed or accepted. 

"First, That no Mason take on him no Lord's 
worke, nor any other man's, unlesse he know himselfe 
well able to perform the worke, so that the Craft have 
no slander. 

"Secondly, Allso, that no Master take worke but 
that he take reasonable pay for itt; so that the Lord 
may be truly served, and the Master to live honestly, 
and to pay his Fellows truely. And that no Master 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 19 

or Fellow supplant others of their worke; that is to say, 
that if he hath taken a worke, or else stand Master of 
any worke, that he shall not put him out, unless he 
be unable of cunning to make an end of his worke. 
And no Master nor Fellow shall take no apprentice 
for less than seaven yeares. And that the appren- 
tice be free born,* and of limbs whole, as a man ought 
to be, and no bastard. And that no Master of Fellow 
take no allowance to be made Mason without the as- 
sent of his Fellows, at the least six or seaven. 

"Thirdly, That he that be made be able in all de- 
grees; that is, free bora,* of a good kindred, true and 
no bondsman, and that he have his right limbs, as a 
man ought to have. 

"Fourthly, That a Master take no apprentice with- 
out he have occupation to occupy two or three Fellows 
at the least. 

"Fifthly, That no Master or Fellow put away any 
Lord's worke to taske that ought to be journey worke. 

"Sixthly, that every Master give pay to his Fellows 
and servants as they may deserve, so that he be not 
defamed with false workeing: And that none slander 
another behind his backe, to make him lose his good 
name. 

"Seventhly, That no Fellow in the house or abroad 
answer another ungodly or reproveably without a 
cause. 

"Eighthly, That every Master Mason doe reverence 
his elder, and that a Mason be no common plaier 
at the cards, dice or hazard, nor at any other unlaw- 
ful plaies, through the which the Science and Craft 
may be dishonoured or slandered. 



20 HARRIS' 

"Ninthly, That no Fellow goe into the town by 
night, except he have a Fellow with him, who may 
beare him record that he was in an honest place. 

"Tenthly, That every Master and Fellow shall come 
to the assemblie, if itt be within fifty miles of him, 
if he have any warning. Aud if he have trespassed 
against the Craft, to abide the award of Masters and 
Fellows. 

"Eleventhly, That every Master Mason and Fellow 
that hath trespassed against the Craft shall stand to 
the correction of other Masters and Fellows to make 
him accord, and if they cannot accord, to go to the 
common law. 

"Twelfthly, That a Master or Fellow make not a 
mould stone, square, no rule, no to lowen, no let no 
lowen worke within their Lodge, nor to mould stone. 

"Thirteenthly, That every Mason receive and cher- 
ish strange Fellowes when they come over the countrie, 
and set them on worke, if they will worke, as the man- 
ner is; that is to say, if the Mason have any mould 
stone in his place, he shall give him a mould stone, 
and sett him on worke; and if he have none, the Ma- 
son shall refresh him with money unto the next Lodge. 

"Fourteenthly, That every Mason shall truely serve 
his Master for his pay. 

"Fifteenthly, That every Mason shall truely make 
an end of his worke, taske or journey, whethersoe it 
be. 

"These be all the charges and covenants that ought 
to be read at the installment of Master, or making of 
a Free Mason or Free Masons. The Almighty God of 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 21 

Jacob, who ever have you and me in his keeping, bless 
us now and ever. Amen." 

The intelligent Craftsmen cannot fail to recognize 
in the foregoing, a striking similarity between the an- 
cient charges in the time of King James the Second 
and those we use now. And the conclusion must force 
itself upon all that the Fraternity then and now must 
be one and the same. 

CHAPTER VI. 

ANTIQUITY OF MASONRY AS DERIVED FROM MODERN 
AUTHORITIES. 

In Dr. Henry's History, we find the origin of the 
Free Mason's Society in Britain attributed to the diffi- 
culty found in former times, of procuring a sufficient 
number of workmen to build the multitude of 
churches, monasteries, and other religious edifices, 
which the superstition of those ages prompted the 
people to raise. Hence the Masons were greatly fa- 
vored by the Popes, and many indulgences were grant- 
ed, in order to augment their numbers. The Doctor 
quotes, in confirmation of this, the words of an au- 
thor who was well acquainted with their history and 
constitution: "The Italians, (says he,) with some 
Greek refugees, and with them French, Germans and 
Flemings, joined into a fraternity of architects, pro- 
curing papal bulls for their encouragement and their 
particular privileges; they styled themselves Free Ma- 
sons, and ranged from one nation to another, as they 
found churches to be built; their government was regu- 



22 HARRIS' 

lar; and where they fixed near the building in hand, 
they made a camp of huts. A surveyor governed in 
chief; every tenth man was called a Warden, and over- 
looked each nine. The gentlemen in the neighbor- 
hood, either out of charity or commutation of pen- 
ance, gave the materials and carriages. Those who 
have seen the accounts in records of the charge of the 
fabrics of some of our cathedrals near 400 years old, 
cannot but have a great esteem for their economy, 
and admire how soon they erected such lofty struct- 
ures." 

By other accounts, however, the antiquity of Ma- 
sonry is carried up much higher, even as early as the 
building of Solomon's temple, and these accounts are 
accepted by a very large number, indeed, by a great 
majority of the Craft to-day. Dr. Dove says in his 
Text -Book. In Britain the introduction of Masonry 
has been fixed at the year 674, when glass-making was 
first introduced; and it appears, indeed, that from this 
time many buildings in the Gothic style were erected 
by men in companies, who are said to have called 
themselves free, because they were at liberty to work 
in any part of the kingdom. Others have derived the 
institution of Free Masons from a combination among 
the people of that profession not to work without an 
advance of wages, when they were summoned from 
several counties, by writs of Edward III, directed to 
the sheriffs, to assist in rebuilding and enlarging the 
castle, together with the church and castle of St. 
George, at Windsor. At this time, it is said, the 
Masons agreed on certain tokens by which they might 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 2& 

know and assist each other against being impressed 
and not to work unless free, and on their own terms.' 7 
For a long time the progress of Masonry in Britain 
was obstructed by the frequent wars which took place; 
and it did not revive until the time of Carausius, by 
whom it was patronized. This general, who hoped to 
be the founder of a British empire, encouraged 
learning and learned men, collecting also the best ar- 
tificers from many different countries, particularly Ma- 
sons, whom he held in great veneration, and appoint- 
ing Albanus, his steward, the principal superintend- 
ent of their assemblies. Lodges or Conventions of 
the Fraternity, began now to be introduced, and the 
business of Masonry to be regularly carried on. The 
Masons, through the influence of Albanus, obtained 
a charter from Carausius to hold a general council, at 
which Albanus himself sat President, and assisted at 
the reception of many new members. This Albanus 
was the celebrated St. Alban, the first who suffered 
martyrdom in Britain for the Christian faith. Mr. 
Preston quotes an old MS. destroyed with many others, 
said to have been in the possession of Mcholas Stone, 
a curious sculptor under Inigo Jones; from which we 
learn that St Alban was a great friend to Masons, and 
gave them two shillings per week, besides three pence 
for their cheer; while, before that time, they had no 
more than one penny per day, and their meat. He 
likewise obtained "a charter from the King and his 
Council, for them to hold a general council, which was 
named an Assembly." The same circumstances are 
mentioned in a MS. written in the time of James II., 



24 HARRIS' 

only this increases the weekly salary of the Masons to 
3s. 6d. and 3d. per day for the bearers of burthens. 

The progress of Masonry was greatly obstructed by 
the departure of the Eomans from Britain; and in a 
short time fell into absolute neglect. After the in- 
troduction of Christianity, the barbarity of these 
conquerors began to wear off, the arts received some 
encouragement, and Masonry particularly began to 
flourish. Lodges were now formed; but these being 
under the direction of foreigners, were seldom con- 
vened, and never attained to any degree of considera- 
tion or importance. In this situation it continued till 
the year 557, when St. Austin, with forty more monks, 
among whom the sciences had been preserved, came 
into England. By these the principles of Christianity 
were propagated with such zeal, that all the Kings of 
the heptarchy were converted; after which Masonry 
was taken under the patronage of St. Austin, and the 
Gothic style of building was introduced into England 
by the numerous foreigners who resorted at this time 
to the kingdom . Austin himself appeared at the head 
of the Fraternity in founding the old cathedral of 
Canterbury in 600; that of Eochester in 602; St. Paul's 
in London in 604; St. Peter's in Westminster in 605, 
as well as many others. The number of Masons in Eng- 
land was thus greatly increasd, as well as by his other 
buildings of castles, &c, throughout the kingdom. 

In 640 a few expert brethren arrived from France, 
and formed themselves into a Lodge under the di- 
rection of Bennet, Abbot of Wirral, whom Kenred, 
King of Mercia, soon after appointed Inspector of the 



MASONIC TEST-BOOK. 25 

Lodges, and General Superintendent of the Masons. 
During the whole time of the heptarchy, however, 
Masonry was in a low state, but began to revive in 
856, under the patronage of St. Swithin, whom Ethel- 
wolf employed to repair some religious houses; and 
from that time the art gradually improved till the 
year 872, when it found a zealous protector in Alfred 
the Great. This Prince was a most eminent patron 
of all kinds of arts and manufactures; and, with re- 
gard to Masonry in particular, he appropriated a 
seventh part of his revenue lor maintaining a number 
of workmen, whom he constantly employed in re- 
building the cities, castles, &c, ruined by the Danes. 
During the reign of his successor, Edward, the Ma- 
sons continued to hold their Lodges under the sanction 
of Ethred, husband to the King's sister, and Ethel- 
ward, his brother, to whom the care of the Fraternity 
was intrusted. The latter was a great architect, and 
founded the University of Cambridge. 

The true re establishment of Masonry in England, 
however, is dated from the reign of King Athelstane; 
and a Grand Lodge of Masons at York, trace their 
existence from this period. This Lodge, the most 
ancient in England, was founded in 926, under the 
patronage of Edwin, the King's brother, who obtained 
for them a charter from Athelstane, and became Grand 
Master himself. By virtue of this charter, it is said 
that all the Masons in the kingdom were convened at a 
General Assembly in that city, where they established 
a General or Grand Lodge for their future government. 
Under the patronage and jurisdiction of this Lodge, 



26 HARRIS 

it is also alleged that the Fraternity increased very 
considerably, and that Kings, Princes, and other emi- 
nent persons who had been initiated into the mysteries, 
paid due allegiance to the Assembly. But as the 
times were yet turbulent and barbarous, the art of 
Masonry was sometimes more, sometimes less patron- 
ized, and of course the Assembly more or less re- 
spected, according to the respect which the art itself 
met with. The appellation of Ancient York Masons is 
well known both in Ireland and Scotland; and the 
general tradition is, that they originated at Auldby, 
near York; and as Auldby was a seat of Edwin, this 
tradition gives considerable confirmation to the above 
account. There is, indeed, great reason to believe 
that York was the original seat of Masonic govern- 
ment, and the whole Fraternity having at various times 
owned allegiance to the authority there established. 
While Prince Edwin lived, the Masons were em- 
ployed as formerly in building churches, monasteries, 
&c, and repairing those which had suffered by the 
ravages of the Danes; aud after his death the Order 
was patronized by King Athelstane himself; but, on 
his decease, the Masons were dispersed, and remained 
in an unsettled state till the reign of Edgar, in 960. 
They were now collected by St. Dunstan, who em- 
ployed them in works of the same kind; but as no 
permanent encouragement was given them, their 
Lodges soon declined, aud Masonry remained in a low 
state for upwards of 50 years. It revived, however, 
in 1041, under Edward the Confessor, who superin- 
tended the execution of several great works. By the 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 27 

assistance of Leofrick, Earl of Conventry, he rebuilt 
Westminster Abbey, the Earl being appointed Su- 
perintendent of the Masons; and by this architect 
many other magnificent structures were likewise 
erected. After the Conquest, in 1066, Gundulph, 
Bishop of Eochester, and Eoger de Montgomery, Earl 
of Shrewsbury, both of them excellent architects, be- 
came joint patrons of the Masons; and under their 
auspices the Tower of London was begun, though 
finished only in the reign of William Eufus, who like- 
wise rebuilt London bridge with wood, and, in 1087, 
first constructed the Palace and Hall of Westminster. 
The Masons now continued to be patronized by the 
Sovereigns of England in succession. The Lodge as- 
sembled during the reign of Henry I., and during that 
of Stephen, the Society were employed in building a 
chapel at Westminster, now the House of Commons, 
and several other works; the President of the Lodges 
being now Gilbert de Clare, the Marquis of Pembroke. 
During the reign of Henry II. the Lodges were super- 
intended by the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, 
who employed them in building their temple in Fleet 
street, in the year 1155. Masonry continued under 
the patronage of this Order till the year 1199, when 
John succeeded Eichard I. in the throne of England, 
and Peter de Colechurch was then appointed Grand 
Master. He began to rebuild London bridge with stone, 
which was afterwards finished by William Alcmain, in 
1209. Peter de Eupibus succeeded Peter de Colechurch 
in the office of Grand Master, and Geoffrey Fitz-Peter, 
chief surveyor of the King's works, acted as deputy 



28 Harris' 

under him; Masonry continued also to flourish under 
the auspices of these two artists during this and the 
following reign. On the accession of Edward I., in 
1572, the superintendence of the Masons was intrusted 
to Walter Giffard, Archbishop of York, Gilbert de 
Clare, Earl of Gloucester, and Ealph, Lord of Mount 
Hermer, the progenitor of the family of the Monta- 
gues; and by these architects the Abbey of Westmin- 
ister was finished, after having beeu begun in 1220, 
during the minority of Henry II. During the reign 
of Edward II., the Fraternity were employed in build- 
ing Exeter and Oriel Colleges in Oxford, Clare Hall 
in Cambridge, &c, under the auspices of Walter 
Stapleton, Bishop of Exeter, who had been appointed 
Grand Master of Masons in 1307. 

Edward III. was a great encourager of learning in 
general, and not only patronized the Masons, but ap- 
plied very assiduously to the constitutions of the Or- 
der, revised and meliorated the ancient charges, and 
added several useful regulations to the original code 
by which the Fraternity had been governed. He pa- 
tronized the Lodges, and appointed five deputies un- 
der him to inspect their proceedings; and at this pe- 
riod it appeals from some old records that the Lodges 
were numerous, and that the Fraternity held commu- 
nications under the protection of the civil magistrates. 
William a Wykeham was continued Grand Master on 
the accession of Richard II., and by him both the new 
College in Oxford and Winchester College were found- 
ed at his own expense. After the accession of Henry 
IV. Thomas FitzAllan, Earl of Surrey, was appointed 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK, 29 

Grand Master, who, after the engagement of Shrews- 
bury, founded Battle Abbey and Fotheringay; the 
Guildhall at London being also built in this reign. 
On the accession of Henry V. the Fraternity were di- 
rected by Henry Chicheley, Archbishop of Canter- 
bury, under whom the Lodges aud communications 
of the Fraternity were frequent. In 1425, however, 
during the reign of Henry VI., an act was made 
against the meeting of the Chapters and Congrega- 
tions of Masons, because it was said that by such meet- 
ings "the good course and effect of the statutes of la- 
borers were opeuly violated and broken, in subversion 
of the law, and to the great damage of all the com- 
mons." But this act was not put in force, nor did the 
Fraternity cease to meet, as usual, under the protec- 
tion of Archbishop Chicheley, who still continued to 
preside over them. The reason of this exra-ordinary 
edict is said to have beeu as follows: The Duke of 
Bedford, at that time Eegent of the Kingdom, being 
in France, the regal power was vested in his Brother 
Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, who was styled Pro- 
tector and Guardian of the Kingdom. The care of 
the young King's person and education was intrusted 
to Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, the Duke's 
uncle. This Prelate being of an ambitious disposi- 
tion, and aspiring at the sole government, had con- 
tinual disputes with his nephew, the Protector; and, 
by reason of the violent temper of that prince, gained 
frequent advantages over him. This animosity in- 
creased to such a degree, that the Parliament was at 
length obliged to interpose. On the meeting of that 



30 HARRIS' 

assembly, in the month of April, 1425, however, the 
servants and followers of the Peers came thither, 
armed with clubs and staves; on which account it re- 
ceived the name of the Bat Parliament, and at this time 
the act against Masons was made. This was owing to 
the influence of the Bishop, who wished to destroy 
the meetings of the Fraternity, on account of the se- 
crecy observed in them. 

The Bishop was soon after this diverted from his 
persecution of the Masons by an affair of a more im- 
portant kind. He had formed a design of surprising 
the City of London on the evening of St. Simon and 
St. Jude's day, that on which the Lord Mayor was 
invested with his office. But the plot having been 
discovered by the Duke of Gloucester, the Mayor was 
sent for while at dinner, and ordered to keep a strict 
watch for that night. The Bishop's party accordingly 
made an attempt to enter by the bridge about nine the 
next morning, but were repulsed by the vigilance of 
the citizens. At this the Prelate was so much enraged, 
that he collected a numerous body of archers and men- 
at-arms, commanding them to assault the gate with 
shot. By the prudence of the magistrates, however, 
all violent measures were stopped; but no reconcilia- 
tion could be procured betwixt the two parties, though 
it was attempted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, 
and Peter, Duke of Coimbra, eldest son to the King 
of Portugal, with several other persons of distinction. 
At last the Bishop wrote a letter to the Duke of Bed- 
ford, urging his return to England, and informing 
him of the danger there was of a civil war, and re- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 31 

fleeting upon the Duke of Gloucester. This letter had 
the desired effect. The Begent returned, and held a 
great council at St. Albans, on the 21st of February, 
but adjourned it to the 15th of March, at Northampton, 
and to the 25th of June, at Leicester. Bats and staves 
were now prohibited at these meetings; but the parties 
assembled with weapons no less formidable, viz: With 
slings, stones, and leaden plummets. The Duke of 
Bedford employed all his authority to reconcile the 
differences; and at last obliged the two rivals to 
promise, before the Assembly, that they would bury 
all animosities in oblivion. During the discussion of 
this matter, five charges were exhibited by the Duke 
of Gloucester against the Bishop; one of which was, 
that "he had, in his letter to the Duke of Bedford, 
at France, plainly declared his malicious purpose of 
assembling the people, and stirring up a rebellion in 
the nation, contrary to the King's peace." To this 
the Bishop answered, "That he never had any inten- 
tion to disturb the peace of the nation, or raise a re- 
bellion; but that he sent to the Duke of Bedford to 
solicit his return to England, to settle all those dif- 
ferences which were so prejudicial to the peace of the 
kingdom; that thought he had indeed written in the 
letter, 'that if he tarried, we should put the land in 
adventure by a field, such a brother you have here,' 
he did not mean it of any design of his own, but con- 
cerning the seditious assemblies of masons, carpen- 
ters, tylers and plaisterers; who beiug distressed by 
the late act of Parliament against the excessive wages 
of these trades, had given out many seditious speeches 



32 HARRIS' 

and menaces against certain great men, which tended 
much to rebellion," &c. 

Notwithstanding this heavy charge, the Duke of 
Gloucester, who knew the innocence of the parties ac- 
cused, took the Masons under his protection, and trans- 
ferred the charge of sedition and rebellion from them 
to the Bishop and his followers. By the interest of 
the latter, however, the King granted him a pardon 
for all offences; and though the Duke drew up fresh 
articles of impeachment against him in 1442, and pre- 
sented them in person to the King, the Council, being 
composed mostly of Ecclesiastics, proceeded so slowly 
in the business, that the Duke, wearied out with the 
tediousness of the matter, dropped the prosecution 
entirely. 

This contest terminated in the impeachment, im- 
prisonment and murder of the Duke of Gloucester 
himself. This event might have been attended with 
bad consequences, had not their inveterate enemy, the 
Prelate himself, been taken off by death, in about two 
months after the Duke, The Masons then continued, 
not only to meet in safety, but were joined by the 
King- himself. He was, that very year, (1442,) initi- 
ated into Masonry, and from that time spared no 
pains to become completely master of the art. He 
perused the ancient charges, revised the constitu- 
tion, and, with the consent of his council, honored 
them with his sanction. The example of the Sove- 
reign was followed by many of the nobility, who as- 
siduously studied the art. The King presided over 
the Lodges in person, nominating William Wanefleet, 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 33 

Bishop of Winchester, Grand Master. The Bishop, 
at his own expense, built Magdaline College, Oxford, 
and several religious houses. Eton College, near 
Windsor, and King's College, at Cambridge, were also 
founded during this reign. Henry himself founded 
Christ's College, Cambridge, as his Queen, Margaret 
of Anjou, did Queen's College in the same University. 

About this time, also, the Masons were protected 
and encouraged by James I. of Scotland, who, after 
his return from captivity, became a zealous patron of 
the arts and learning of all kinds. He honored the 
Lodges with his royal presence, and settled an annual 
revenue of four pounds Scots (an English noble) to 
be paid by every Master Mason in Scotland, to a 
Grand Master chosen by the Grand Lodge, and ap- 
proved by the Crown, one nobly born, or an eminent 
clergyman who had his deputies in cities and coun- 
ties; something was likewise paid him by every new 
brother at his entry. His office entitled him to regu- 
late everything in the Fraternity which could not 
come under the jurisdiction of the law courts; and, to 
prevent law suits, both Mason and Lord, or builder 
and founder, appealed to Him. In his absence they 
appealed to his deputy, or Grand Warden who re- 
sided next the premises. 

The flourishing state of Masonry was interrupted 
by the civil wars between the houses of York and Lan- 
caster, which brought it almost totally into neglect. 
About 1471, however, it revived under the auspices of 
Robert Beauchamp, Bishop of Sarum, who had been 
appointed Grand Master by Edward IY, and honored 
with the title of Chancellor of the Garter, for repairing 



34 HARRIS' 

the Castle and Chapel of Windsor. It again declined 
during the reigns of Edward V. and Richard III , 
but came once more into repute on the accession of 
Henry VII., in 1485. It was now patronized by the 
Masters and Fellows of the Order of St. John of 
Rhodes (now Malta,) who assembled their Grand 
Lodge in 1500, and chose Henry for their protector. 
On the 24th of June, 1502, a Lodge of Masters was 
formed in the Palace, at which the King presided as 
Grand Master; and having appointed Johnlslip, Ab- 
bot of Westminster, and Sir Reginald Bray, Knight 
of the Garter, his Wardens for the occasion, proceed- 
ed in great state to the east end of Westminister Ab- 
bey, where he laid the first stone of that excellent 
piece of Gothic architecture, called Henry the Sev- 
enth's Chapel. The cape stone of this building was 
celebrated in 1507. The Palace of Richmond, as 
well as many other noble structures, were raised un- 
der the direction of Sir Reginald Bray; and the Col- 
lege of Brazen Nose, in Oxford, and Jesus and St. 
John's in Cambridge, were all finished in this reign. 
On the accession of Henry VIII. Cardinal Wolsey 
was appointed Grand Master, who built Hampton 
Court, Whitehall, Christ Church College, Oxford, with 
several other noble edifices, all of which, upon the 
disgrace of that Prelate, were forfeited to the Crown 
in 1530. Wolsey was succeeded as Grand Master in 
1534, by Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, who em- 
ployed the Fraternity in building St. James' Palace, 
Christ's Hospital and Greenwich Castle. Cromwell 
being beheaded in 1540, John Touchet, Lord Audley, 
succeeded to the office of Grand Master, and built 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 35 

Magdaline College, in Cambridge, and many other 
structures. In 1547, the Duke of Somerset, guardian 
to the King, and Regent of the Kingdom, became 
Superintendent of the Masons, and built Somerset 
House, in the Strand, which, on his being beheaded, 
was forfeited to the Crown in 1552. 

After the death of the Duke of Somerset, John 
Poynet, Bishop of Winchester, presided over the 
Lodges till the death of the King in 1553. From this 
time they continued without any patron till the reign 
of Elizabeth, when Sir Thomas Sackville accepted of 
the office of Grand Master. Lodges, however, had 
been held during this period in different parts of Eng- 
land; but the General or Grand Lodge assembled in 
the city of York, where, it is said, the Fraternity were 
numerous and respectable. Of the Queen, we have 
the following curious anecdote with regard to the Ma- 
sons : Hearing that they were in possession of many 
secrets which they had refused to disclose, and being 
naturally jealous of all secret assemblies, she sent an 
armed force to break up their annual Grand Lodge. 
The design was prevented by the interposition of Sir 
Thomas Sackville, who took care to initiate some of 
the chief officers, whom she had sent on this duty, 
in the secrets of Masonry. These joined in commu- 
nication with their new brethren, and made so favor- 
able a report to the Queen on their return, that she 
countermanded her orders and never afterwards at- 
tempted to disturb the meeting of the Fraternity. In 
1567, Sir Thomas Sackville, resigned the office of 
Grand Master in favor of Francis Russel, Earl of Bed- 
ford, and Sir Thomas Gresham, an eminent merchant. 



36 HARRIS' 

The former had the care of the Brethren in the north- 
ern part of the kingdom assigned to him, while the 
latter was appointed to superintend the meetings of 
the south, where the Society had considerably in- 
creased, in consequence of the honorable report which 
had been made to the Queen. The General Assem- 
bly, however, continued to meet at York as formerly; 
and here all records were kept, and appeals made, on 
every important occasion, to the Assembly. 

Sir Thomas Gresham, above mentioned, proposed 
to erect a building in the city of London for the bene- 
fit of commerce, provided the citizens would purchase 
a spot proper for the purpose. Accordingly, some 
houses between Cornhill and Threadneedle street be- 
ing pulled down, the foundation stone of the building 
was laid on the 7th of June, 1566, and with such ex- 
pedition was the work carried on, that the whole was 
finished in November, 1567. This building, which 
was constructed on the plan of the Exchange of 
Antwerp, was called at first, simply the Bourse; but 
in January, 1570, the Queen having dined with Sir 
Thomas, returned through Cornhill, entered the 
Bourse on the south side, and having viewed every 
part of the building, particularly the gallery which 
extended round the whole structure, and which was 
furnished with shops filled with all sorts of the finest 
merchandise in the city, she caused the edifice to be 
proclaimed in her presence, by herald and trumpet, 
the Royal Exchange', and on this occasion, it is said, 
Sir Thomas appeared publicly in the character of 
Grand Master. 

The Queen being now thoroughly convinced that 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 37 

the Fraternity of Masons did not interfere in State 
affairs, became quite reconciled to their assemblies, 
and from this time Masonry made a considerable pro- 
gress; Lodges were held in different parts of the 
kingdom, particularly in London and its neighbor- 
hood, where the number of the brethren increased 
considerably. Several great works were carried on 
there under the auspices of Sir Thomas Gresham, 
from whom the Fraternity received every encourage- 
ment. Sir Thomas was succeeded in the office of 
Grand Master by Charles Howard, Earl of Effingham, 
who continued to preside over the Lodges in the 
south, till the year 1588, when George Hastings, Earl 
of Huntington, was chosen Grand Master, and re- 
mained in the office till the decease of the Queen, in 
1603. 

On the accession of James I. to the Crown of Eng- 
land, Masonry flourished in both kingdoms, and 
Lodges were held in both kingdoms. A number of 
gentlemen returned from their travels, with curious 
drawings of the old Greek and Eoman architecture, 
as well as strong inclinations to revive a knowledge 
of it. Among these was the celebrated Inigo Jones, 
who was appointed general surveyor to the King. He 
was named Grand Master of England, and was 
deputed by the King to preside over the Lodges. 
Several learned men were now initiated into the mys- 
teries of Masonry, and the Society increased con- 
siderably in reputation and consequence. Ingenious 
artists resorted to England in great numbers; Lodges 
were constituted as seminaries of instruction in the 
sciences and polite arts, after the model of the Italian 



38 HARRIS' 

schools; the communications of the Fraternity were 
established, and the annual festivals regularly ob- 
served. Under the direction of this accomplished 
architect, many magnificent structures were raised, 
and, among the rest, he was employed, by command 
of the Sovereign, to plan a new Palace of Whitehall, 
worthy of the residence of the Kings of England. 
This was executed, but for want of a parliamentary 
fund, no more of the plan was ever finished than the 
banqueting-house. Inigo Jones contined in the office 
of Grand Master till the year 1618, when he was suc- 
ceeded by the Earl of Pembroke, under whose auspices 
many eminent and wealthy men were initiated, and 
the mysteries of the Order held in high estimation. 

After Charles I. ascended the throne, Earl Pem- 
broke continued in his office till the year 1630, when 
he resigned in favor of Henry Dan vers, Earl of Danby. 
This nobleman was succeeded in 1663 by Thomas 
Howard, Earl of Arundel, the ancestor of the Norfolk 
family. In 1635, Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford ac- 
cepted the government of the Society; but Inigo 
Jones having continued to patronize the Lodges dur- 
ing his lordship's administration, he was re-elected 
the following year, and continued in office till the year 
of his death, 1646. The progress of Masonry, how- 
ever, was for some time obstructed by the breaking 
out of the civil wars; but it began to revive under the 
patronage of Charles II., who had been received into 
the Order during his exile. Some Lodges, during 
his reign, were constituted by leave of the several 
noble Grand Masters, and many gentlemen and fa- 
mous scholars requested at that time to be admitted 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 39 

into the Fraternity. On the 27th of December, 1663, 
a General Assembly was held, where Henry Jermyn, 
Earl of St. Albans, was elected Grand Master, who 
appointed Sir John Denham his deputy, and Mr. 
Christopher Wren, afterwards the celebrated Sir 
Christopher Wren, and John Webb, his Wardens. 
At this assembly several useful regulations were made, 
for the better government of the Lodges, and the 
greatest harmony prevailed among the whole Fra- 
ternity. The Earl of St. Albans was succeeded in his 
office of Grand Master by Earl Rivers, in the year 
1666, when Sir Christopher Wren was appointed 
deputy, and distinguished himself beyond any of his 
predecessors in promoting the prosperity of the 
Lodges which remained at that time, particularly 
that of St. Paul's, now the Lodge of Antiquity, 
which he patronized upwards of eighteen years. At 
this time he attended the meetings regularly, and 
during his presidency made a present to the Lodge 
of three mahogany candlesticks, which at that time 
were very valuable. They are still preserved, and 
highly valued as a testimony of the esteem of the 
donor. 

The fire which, in 1666, destroyed such a great part 
of London, afforded ample opportunity for the Ma- 
sons to exert their abilities. After a calamity so 
sudden and extensive, however, it became necessary 
to adopt some regulations to prevent such a catastro- 
phe in time to come. It was now determined that in 
all the new buildings to be erected, stone should 
be used instead of timber. Wren was ordered by the 
King and Grand Master, to draw up the plan of a city 



40 HARRIS* 

with broad and regular streets. Sir Christopher Wren 
was appointed surveyor general, and principal archi- 
tect, for rebuilding the city, the Cathedral of St. Paul, 
and all the parochial churches enacted by Parliament, 
in lieu of those that were destroyed, with other public 
structures. This gentleman, however, conceiving the 
charge to be too important for a single person, re-elect- 
ed for his assistant Mr- Robt. Hook, Professor of Geo- 
metry in Gresham College. The latter was immediately 
employed in measuring, adjusting and setting out the 
ground of the private streets to the several proprie- 
tors. The model and plan were laid before the King 
and House of Commons, and the practicability of the 
whole scheme, without any infringement of private 
property; but unfortunately it happened, that the 
greater part of the citizens were totally averse to 
leaving their old habitations, and building houses in 
other places; and so obstinate were they in their de- 
terminations, that they chose rather to have their old 
city again, under all its disadvantages, than a new 
one upon the improved plan. Thus an opportunity 
was lost of making the new city the most magnificent, 
as well as the most convenient for health and com- 
merce, of any in Europe. Hence the architect, being 
cramped in the execution of his plan, was obliged to 
alter and abridge it, and to model the city after the 
manner in which it has since appeared. In 1673, the 
foundation stone of the Cathedral of St. Paul was 
laid with great solemnity, by the King in person, and 
the Mallet which he used on this occasion, is still 
preserved in the Lodge of Antiquity, as a great 
curiosity. 



Masonic text-book. 41 

During the time that the city was rebuilding, 
Lodges were held by the Fraternity in different places 
and many new ones constituted, to which the best 
architects resorted. In 1674 Earl Rivers resigned the 
office of Grand Master in favor of George Villiers, 
Duke of Buckingham, who left the care of the Fra- 
ternity to his Wardens, and Sir Christopher Wren, 
who still continued to act as Deputy. In 1679, the 
Duke resigned in favor of Henry Bennet. Earl of Arl- 
ington; but this nobleman was too deeply engaged 
in state affairs to attend to his duty as a Mason, 
though the Lodges continued to meet under his sanc- 
tion, and many respectable gentlemen joined the Fra- 
ternity. During the short reign of James II. the 
Masons were much neglected, In 1685, Sir Christo- 
pher Wren was elected to the office of Grand Master, 
who appointed Gabriel Cibber and Mr. Edward 
Strong, his Wardens, yet, notwithstanding the great 
reputation and abilities of this celebrated architect, 
Masonry continued in a declining way for many years, 
and only a few Lodges were held occasionally in dif- 
ferent parts of the Kingdom. 

At the revolution, the Society was in such a low 
state in the south of England, that only seven regu- 
lar Lodges were held in London and its suburbs; and 
of these only two, viz : that of St. Paul's; and one at 
St. Thomab' Hospital, Southwark, were of any con- 
sequence. But, in 1695, King William having been 
initiated into the mysteries, honored the Lodges with 
his presence, particularly one at Hampton Court, at 
which he is said to have frequently presided during 
the time that the new part of his palace was building. 



42 HARRIS' 

Many of the nobility also were present at a general 
assembly and feast, held in 1697, particularly Charles, 
Duke of Kichmond and Lenox, who was elected Grand 
Master for that year, but in 1698, resigned his office 
to Sir Christopher Wren, who continued at the head 
of the Fraternity till King William's death in 1702. 

During the reign of Queen Anne, Masonry made 
no considerable progress. Sir Christopher's age and 
infirmities drew off his attention from the duties of 
his office; the annual festivals were entirely neglected, 
and the number of Masons considerably diminished. 
It was therefore determined that the privileges of Ma- 
sonry should not be confined to operative Masons, but 
that people of all professions should be admitted to 
participate in them, provided they were regularly ap- 
proved and initiated into the Order. 

Thus the Society once more rose into esteem; and 
on the accession of George I. the Masons, now de- 
prived of Sir Christopher Wren, resolved to unite 
again under a Grand Master, and revive the annual 
festivals. With this view, the members of the only 
four Lodges at that time existing in London, met at 
the Apple-tree Tavern, in Charles Street, Convent 
Garden; and having voted the oldest Master Mason 
then present, into the chair, constituted themselves a 
Grand Lodge pro tempore, It was now resolved to 
renew the quarterly communications among the breth- 
ren; and at an annual meeting held on the 24th of 
June, the same year, Mr, Anthony Sayer was elected 
Grand Master, invested by the oldest Master Mason 
there present, installed by the Master of the oldest 
Lodge, and bad due homage paid him by the Frater- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 43 

nity. Before this time, a sufficient number of Ma- 
sons met together within a certain district, had ample 
power to make Masons without a Warrant of Consti- 
tution; but it was now determined that the privilege 
of assembling as Masons should be vested in certain 
Lodges or Assemblies of Masons convened in cer- 
tain places, and that every Lodge to be afterwards 
convened, excepting the four old Lodges then exist- 
ing, should be authorized to act by a Warrant from 
the Grand Master for the time, granted by petition 
from certain individuals, with the consent and appro- 
bation of the Grand Lodge in communication; and 
that without such Warrant, no Lodge should hereafter 
be deemed regular or constitutional. The former 
privileges, however, were still allowed to, remain to 
the four old Lodges then extant. In consequence of 
this, the old Masons in the metropolis vested all their 
inherent privileges, as individuals, in the four old 
Lodges, in trust that they never would sufler the 
ancient charges and landmarks to be infringed. 
The four old Lodges, on their part, agreed to extend 
their patronage to every new Lodge which should 
hereafter be constituted according to the new regula- 
tions of the Society; and while they acted in conform- 
ity to the ancient Constitutions of the Order, to ad- 
mit their Masters and Wardens to share with them 
all the privileges of the Grand Lodge, that of prece- 
dence only excepted. 

Matters being thus settled, the brethren of the four 
old Lodges considered their attendance on the future 
communications of the Society as unnecessary; and, 
therefore, trusted implicitly to their Masters and War- 



44 HARRIS* 

dens, satisfied that no measure of importance would 
be adopted without their approbation. It was, how- 
ever, soon discovered that the new Lodges being* 
equally represented with the old ones at the com- 
munications, would at length so far out number them, 
that by a majority they might subvert the privileges 
of the original Masons of England which had been 
centred in the four old Lodges; on which account a 
Code of Laws was, with the consent of the brethren 
at large, drawn up for the future government of the 
Society. To this the following was annexed, binding 
the Grand Master for the time being, his successors, 
and the Master of every Lodge to be hereafter con- 
stituted, to preserve it inviolable : "Every annual 
Grand Lodge has an inherent power and authority to 
make new regulations, or to alter these for the real 
benefit of this ancient Fraternity — provided always 
that the old landmarks be carefully preserved; and 
that such alterations and new regulations be proposed 
and agreed to, at the third quarterly communication 
preceding the annual grand feast; and that they be 
offered also to the perusal of all the brethren be- 
fore dinner, in writing, even of the youngest appren- 
tice; the approbation and consent of the majority of 
all the brethren present being absolutely necessary to 
make the same binding and obligatory." To com- 
memorate the circumstance, it has been customary, 
ever since that time, for the Master of the oldest 
Lodge to attend every grand installation; and taking 
precedence of all present, the Grand Master only ex- 
cepted, to deliver the books of the original Constitu- 
tions to the new installed Grand Master, on his prom- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 45 

ising obedience to the ancient charges and general 
regulations. 

By this precaution, the Original Constitutions were 
established as the basis of all succeeding Masonic 
jurisdiction in the south of England; and the ancient 
landmarks as they are called, or the boundaries set 
up as checks against innovation, were carefully se- 
cured from the attacks of any future invaders. No 
great progress, however, was made during the ad- 
ministration of Mr. Sayer, only two Lodges being 
constituted, though several brethren joined the old 
ones. In 1718, Mr. Sayer was succeeded by Mr. 
George Payne, who collected many valuable manu- 
scripts on the subject of Masonry, and earnestly re- 
quested that the Fraternity would bring to the Grand 
Lodge any old writings or records concerning the 
Fraternity, to show the usages of ancient times; and 
in consequence of this invitation, several old copies 
of the Gothic Constitution were produced, arranged 
and digested. Another Assembly and Feast was held 
on the 24th of June, 1719, when Dr. Desaguliers was 
unanimously elected Grand Master. At this feast 
the old, regular and peculiar toasts were introduced; 
and from this time we may date the rise of Free 
Masonry on its present plan, in the south of England. 
Many new Lodges were established, the old ones were 
visited by many Masons who had long neglected the 
Craft, and several noblemen were initiated into the 
mysteries. In 1720, however, the Fraternity sustained 
an irreparable loss by the burning of several manu- 
scripts, concerning the Lodges, regulations, charges, 
secrets, &c, (particularly one written by Mr. Nicholas 



46 HARRIS' 

Stone, the Warden under Inigo Jones.) This was done 
by some scrupulous brethren, who were alarmed at the 
publication of the Masonic Constitutions. At a quarter- 
ly communication, it was this year agreed that, for the 
future, the new Grand Master shall be named and 
proposed to the Grand Lodge some time before the 
Feast; and if approved and present, he shall be 
saluted as Grand Master elect; and that every Grand 
Master, when he is installed, shall have the sole 
power of appointing his Deputy and Wardens ac- 
cording to ancient custom. 

In the mean time Masonry continued to spread in 
the north as well as the south of England. The 
General Assembly, or Grand Lodge at York, con- 
tinued to meet as usual. Several Lodges met in 1705, 
under the direction of Sir John Tempest, Baronet, 
then Grand Master; and many persons of worth and 
character were initiated into the mysteries of the Fra- 
ternity. The greatest harmony subsisted between the 
two Grand Lodges, and private Lodges were formed 
in both parts of the kingdom under their separate 
jurisdiction. The only distinction which the Grand 
Lodge in the north appears to have retained, is in 
the title of the Grand Lodge of all England) while 
the other was only called the Grand Lodge of Eng- 
land. The latter, however, being encouraged by some 
of the principal nobility, soon acquired consequence 
and reputation, while the other seemed gradually to 
decline; but, till within these few years, the authority 
of the Grand Lodge at York was never challenged; 
on the other hand, every Mason in the kingdom held 
that Assembly in the highest veneration, and con- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 47 

sidered himself bound by the charges which origi- 
nated from that Assembly. It was the glory and 
boast of the brethren, in almost every country where 
Masonry was established, to be accounted descend- 
ants of the original York Masons: and from the 
universality of the idea that Masonry was first estab- 
lished at York, by Charter, the Masons of England 
have received tribute from the first States in Europe. 
At present, however, this social intercouse is abolish- 
ed, and the Lodges in the north and south are almost 
entirely unknown to one another; and neither the 
Lodges of Scotland nor Ireland court the correspond- 
ence of the Grand Lodge at London. This is said to 
have been owing to the introduction of some innova- 
tions among the Lodges in the south; but for the 
coolness which subsists between the two Grand 
Lodges another reason is assigned. A few brethren 
at York, having, on some trivial occasion, seceded 
from their ancient Lodge, they applied to London for 
a Warrant of Constitution. Their application was 
honored without any enquiry into the merits of the 
case; and thus, instead of being recommended to the 
Mother Lodge to be restored to favor, these brethren 
were encouraged to revolt, and permitted, under the 
sanction of the Grand Lodge in London, to open a 
new Lodge in the city of York itself. This illegal 
extension of power justly offended the Grand Lodge 
at York, and occasioned a breach which has never 
yet been made up. 

The Duke of Buc.cleugh, who, in 1723, succeeded 
the Duke of Wharton as Grand Master, first proposed 
the scheme of raising a general fund for distressed 



48 HARRIS' 

Masons. The Duke's motion was supported by Lord 
Paisley, Colonel Houghton, and a few other brethren; 
and the Grand Lodge appointed a committee to con- 
sider of the most effectual means of carrying the 
scheme into execution. The disposal of the charity 
was first vested in several brethren; but this number 
being found too small, nine more were added. It was 
afterwards resolved that twelve Masters of contribut- 
ing Lodges, in rotation with the Grand Officers, 
should form the committee; and by another regula- 
tion since made, it has been determined that all past 
and present Grand Officers, with the Masters of all 
regular Lodges which shall have contributed within 
twelve months to the charity, shall be members of 
the committee. This committee meets four times in 
the year, by virtue of a summons from the Grand 
Master or his Deputy. The petitions of the distressed 
brethren are considered at these meetings; and if the 
petitioner be considered as a deserving object, he is 
immediately relieved with five pounds. If the cir- 
cumstances of the case are of a peculiar nature, his 
petition is referred to the next communication, where 
he is relieved with any sum the committee may have 
specified, not exceeding 20 guineas at one time. Thus 
the distressed have always found relief from this 
general charity, which is supported by the voluntary 
contributions of different Lodges out of their private 
funds, without being burdensome to any member in 
the Society. Thus has the committee of charity for 
Free Masons been established; and so liberal have 
the contributions been, that though the sums an- 
nually expended for the relief of the distressed 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 49 

brethren have, for several years past, amounted to 
many thousand pounds, there still remains a con- 
siderable sum. 

The most remarkable events which of late have 
taken place in the affairs of Masonry, are the initia- 
tion of Omitul Omrah Bahauder, eldest son of the 
Nabob of the Carnatic, who was received by the 
Lodge of Trichinopoly, in the year 1779. The new 
being officially transmitted to England, the Grand 
Lodge determined to send a congratulatory letter to 
his Highness on the occasion, accompanied with an 
Apron elegantly decorated, and a copy of the Book 
of Constitutions superbly bound. The execution of 
this commission was entrusted to Sir John Duy, Ad- 
vocate General of Bengal; and in the beginning of 
1780, an answer was received from his Highness, ac- 
knowledging the receipt of the present, and express- 
ing the warmest attachment and benevolence to his 
brethren in England. The letter was written in the 
Persian language, and enclosed in an elegant cover of 
cloth of gold, and addressed to the Grand Master 
and Grand Lodge of England. A proper reply was 
made; and a translation of his Highness' letter was 
ordered to be copied on vellum, and, with the original, 
elegantly framed and glazed, and hung up in the 
Hall at every public meeting of the Society. 

CHAPTER VII. 

OBJECTS. 

After such a long history of the rise and progress 
of Masonry, it must be natural to inquire into the uses 



50 HARRIS' 

of the Institution, and for what purpose it has been 
patronized by so many great and illustrious per- 
sonages. In general, it affords relief to the poor and 
needy, promotes philanthropy, friendship and mo- 
rality, and in proportion as Masonry is cultivated, the 
countries in which it is established, have been civi- 
lized. Its signs serve as a kind of universal language, 
so that by means of them, people of the most distant 
nations may become acquainted, and enter into friend- 
ship with one another. This certainly must be ac- 
counted a very important circumstance; and consider- 
ing the great number which have been, and daily are, 
admitted to the Society, and their inviolable attach- 
ment to the art, we must in candor conclude, that 
it contains something of great importance to mankind 
at large. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

HISTORY OF GRAND LODGES. 

Our talented brother, A. G. Mackey, in his Lexicon 
says, in an article on "Grand Lodges." 

The present organization of Grand Lodges is by 
no means coeval with the origin of our institution. 
Every Lodge was originally independent, and a suffi- 
cient number of brethren meeting together, were em- 
powered to practice all the rites of Masonry without 
a Warrant of Constitution, This privilege, as Pres- 
ton remarks, was inherent in them as individuals. 
The brethren were in the custom of meeting annually, 
at least as many as conveniently could, for the pur- 
pose of conference on the general concerns of the 
Order, and on this occasion a Grand Master or Sup- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK, 51 

erintendent of the whole Fraternity was usually cho- 
sen. These meetings were not, however, called Grand 
Lodges, but "Assemblies." This name and organiza- 
tion are as old as the fourth century of the Christian 
era; for in a MSS. once in the possession of Nicholas 
Stone, a sculptor under the celebrated Inigo Jones, it 
is stated that "St. Albans, (who was martyred in 306,) 
loved Masons well and cherished them much. * * * * 
And he got them a charter from the King and his 
counsell, for to holde a generall counsell and gave itt 
to name Assemblie." The privilege of attending 
these annual Assemblies was not restricted, as it now 
is, to the Grand Officers and Masters, and Wardens 
of Subordinate Lodges, but constituted one of the 
obligatory duties of every Mason. Thus among the 
ancient Masonic charges in possession of the Lodge 
of Antiquity at London is one which declares that, 
"every Master and Fellow shall come to the Assemblie, 
if itt be within fifty miles of him, and if he have any 
warning. And if he have trespassed the Craft, to 
abide the award of Masters and Fellows." 

England. The next* charter granted in England 
to the Masons as a body, was bestowed by King Ath- 
elstane in 926 upon the application of his brother 
Prince Edwin. "Accordingly, Prince Edwin sum- 
moned all the Masons in the realm to meet him in a 
congregation at York, who came and composed a 
General Lodge, of which he was Grand Master; and 
having brought with them all the writings and re- 
cords extant, some in Greek, some in Latin, some in 



*And if the anecdote of St. Albans be not authentic, the first. 



52 HARRIS' 

French and other languages, from the contents there 
of, that Assembly did frame the Constitution and 
charges of an English Lodge "t 

From this Assembly at York the true rise of Ma- 
sonry in England is generally dated; from the statutes 
there enacted, are derived the English Masonic Con- 
stitutions; and from the place of meeting, the ritual 
of the English Lodges is designated as the "Ancient 
York Rite." 

For a long time the York Assembly exercised the 
Masonic jurisdiction over all England; but in 1567, the 
Masons of the southern part of the island elected Sir 
Thomas Gresham, the celebrated merchant, their 
Grand Master, He was succeeded by the illustrious 
architect, Inigo Jones. There were now two Grand 
Masters in England, who assumed distinctive titles, 
the Grand Master of the north being called Grand 
Master of all England, while he who presided in the 
•south was called Grand Master of England. 

In the beginning of the 18th century, Masonry in 
the south of England had fallen into decay. The dis- 
turbances of the revolution which placed William the 
Third on the Throne, and the subsequent warmth of 
political feelings, which agitated the two parties of 
the state, had given this peaceful society a wound 
fatal to its success. Sir Christopher Wren, the Grand 
Master in the reign of Queen Anne, had become aged, 
infirm and inactive, and hence the General Assemblies 
of the Grand Lodge had ceased to take place. There 
were, in the year 1715, but four Lodges in the south 



tElias Ashmole's MSS. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 53 

of England, all working in the city of London. These 
four Lodges, desirous of reviving the prosperity of 
the Order, determined to unite themselves under a 
Grand Master, Sir Christopher Wren being now dead, 
and none having as yet been appointed in his place. 
They, therefore, "met at the Apple-tree tavern, and 
having put into the chair the oldest Master Mason, 
(being the Master of a Lodge,) they constituted them- 
selves a Grand Lodge pro tempore in due form, and 
forthwith revived the quarterly communication of the 
officers of the Lodges, (called the Grand Lodge,) re- 
solved to hold the Annual Assembly and Feast, and 
then to choose a Grand Master from among them- 
selves, till they should have the honor of a noble bro- 
ther at their head." 

Accordingly, on St. John the Baptist's day, 1717, 
the Annual Assembly and Feast were held, and Mr. 
Anthony Sayer, duly proposed and elected Grand 
Master. The Grand Lodge adopted, among its regu- 
lations, the following: "That the privilege of as- 
sembling as Masons, which had hitherto been unlimit- 
ed, should be vested in certain Lodges or Assemblies 
of Masons convened in certain places, and that]every 
Lodge to be hereafter convened, except the four old 
Lodges, at this time existing, should be legally au- 
thorized to act by a Warrant from the Grand Master 
for the time being, granted to certain individuals by 
petition, with the consent and approbation of the 
Grand Lodge in communication, and that without 
such Warrant, no Lodge should be hereafter deemed 
regular or constitutional." 

In compliment, however, to the four old Lodges, 



54 Harris' 

the privileges which they had always possessed under 
the old organization, were particularly reserved to 
them, and it was enacted that "no law, rule or regu- 
lation, to be hereafter made or passed in Grand 
Lodge, should ever deprive them of such privilege^ 
or encroach on any landmark which was at that time 
established as the standard of Masonic government." 

The Grand Lodges of York and of London, kept up 
a friendly intercourse, and mutual interchange of 
recognition, until the latter body, in 1725, granted a 
Warrant of Constitution to some Masons, who had 
seceded from the former. This unmasonic act was 
severely reprobated by the York Grand Lodge, and 
produced the first interruption to the harmony that 
had long subsisted between them. It was, however, 
followed some years after by another unjustifiable act 
of interference. In 1735, the Earl of Crawford, Grand 
Master of England, constituted two Lodges within 
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of York, and 
granted, without their consent, deputations for Lanca- 
shire, Durham and Northumberland. "This circum- 
stance," says Preston, "the Grand Lodge of York 
highly resented, and ever afterwards viewed the pro- 
ceedings of the brethren in the south, with a jealous 
eye. All friendly intercourse ceased, and the York 
Masons from that moment considered their interests 
distinct from the Masons under the Grand Lodge in 
London. 

Three years after, in 1738, several brethren, dis- 



f Among these privileges, were those of assembling, without a Warrant of 
Constitution, and raising Masons to the Master's degree, a power for a long 
time exercised only by the Grand Lodge. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 66 

satisfied with the conduct of the Grand Lodge of 
England, seceded from it, and held unauthorized 
meetings for the purposes of initiation. Taking ad- 
vantage of the breach between the Grand Lodges of 
York and London, they assumed the character of 
York Masons. On the Grand Lodge's determination 
to put strictly in execution the laws against such 
seceders, they still further separated from its juris- 
diction, and assumed the appellation of "Ancient 
York Masons.'" They announced that the ancient 
landmarks were alone preserved by them, and de- 
claring that the regular Lodges had adopted new 
plans, and sanctioned innovations, they branded them 
with the name of "Modern Masons." In 1739, they 
established a new Grand Lodge in London, under 
the name of the "Grand Lodge of Ancient York 
Masons," and persevering in the measures they had 
adopted, held communications and appointed annual 
feasts. They were soon afterwards recognized by the 
Masons of Scotland and Ireland, and were encouraged 
and fostered by many of the nobility. The two Grand 
Lodges continued to exist, and to act in opposition 
to each other, extending their schisms into other 
countries,t until the year 1813, when under the Grand 
Mastership of the Duke of Sussex, they were happily 
united, and discord, we trust, forever banished from 
English Masonry 4 



f For instance, there were originally in Massachusetts and South Carolina 
two Grand Lodges, claiming their authority from these discordant bodies. In 
the former State, however, they were united in 1792, and in the latter in 1817. 
% We may as well mention here, that the rites and ceremonies of these 
bodies were essentially the same, and that the landmarks were equally pre- 
served by them. 



56 HARRIS' 

United States. The organization of Free Masonry 
in the United States is to be dated from the 30th of 
July, 1733, at which time "St. John's Grand Lodge" 
was opened in Boston, in consequence of a charter 
granted on the application of several brethren resid- 
ing in that city, by Lord Viscount Montague, Grand 
Master of England. This charter is dated on the 
30th of April in the same year, and appointed the R. 
W. Henry Price Grand Master in North America, with 
power to appoint his Deputy, and the other officers 
necessary for forming a Grand Lodge, and also to 
constitute Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons as 
often as occasion should require. The first charter 
granted by this body was to "St. John's Lodge in 
Boston," which Lodge is still in existence. In the 
succeeding year, it granted a charter for the constitu- 
tion of a Lodge in Philadelphia, of which the vener- 
able Benjamin Franklin was the first Master. This 
Grand Lodge, however, descending from the Grand 
Lodge of England, was, of course, composed of Mod- 
ern Masons. A number of brethren therefore, resid- 
ing in Boston, who were ancient Masons, applied to, 
and received a Dispensation from Lord Aberdour, 
Grand Master of Scotland, constituting them a regu- 
lar Lodge, under the designation of St. Andrew's 
Lodge, No. 82, and the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, 
descending from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, was 
established on the 27th of December, 1769. On the 
19th of June, 1792, the two Grand Lodges were united 
and all the distinctions of Ancient and Modern Ma- 
sons abolished. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 57 

CHAPTER IX. 

COLORED MEN AS MASONS. 

The foregoing historical sketch make3 it apparent 
that Masonry was introduced into this country among 
the white Masons, from the Grand Lodges of England. 
And while Massachusetts was the State in which the 
organization had its birth, Lodges were instituted a 
little later into South Carolina, Pennsylvania and 
North Carolina, by the Grand Lodge of Ancient York 
Masons, and by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. 

The factions which sprung into existence by the 
dual claims of these several Grand Lodges, to the 
right to exercise jurisdiction in this territory, kept 
up a lively contention until after the close of the Revo- 
lutionary War. With the close of hostilities, the 
lodges generally, seemed to reach the agreement, that 
as the American people had thrown off the yoke of 
English oppression, they should also rid themselves 
of every vestige of foreign authority . And, accord- 
ingly, they began the work of uniting and forming 
single Grand Lodges in the States where two or three 
had existed, previously. 

In Massachusetts, while the war was in progress, 
and the rivalry between the white Masons was being 
waged as vigorously as it could be during the time of 
such hostilities, the colored brother, who has been in 
evidence at every important epoch of our country's 
history since he first landed at Jamestown in 1620, 
seemed to think he saw the beneficent results of mem- 
bership in the craft, and as the fires of anxiety burned 
in their breasts, fifteen brethren applied for member- 



58 HAHRIS' 

ship and were regularly initiated into the craft in an 
army lodge, Warranted by the Grand Lodge of Eng- 
land, and attached to one of the regiments stationed 
at Boston, under General Gage. 

This lodge, we learn from reliable authority, was 
presided over by Master Batte, and the names of the 
fifteen brethren initiated therein, from whom we are 
proud to trace the many thousands of Masons in 
America to-day, are as follows : Prince Hall, Cyrus 
Jonbus, Bueston Slinger, Thomas Sanderson, Prince 
Tayden, Cato Speain, Boston Smith, Peter Best, For- 
tin Howard, Prince Bees, John Canten, Peter Free- 
man, Benjamin Fiber, Duff Bufrom and Kichard 
Tilley. 

The above named candidates, each paid for the En- 
tered Apprentices' Degree fifteen guineas; for the 
Fellow Crafts' Degree, seven guineas and for the 
Master's Degree, three guineas. They were probably 
authorized by the lodge which made them, as was the 
custom of that day, to assemble as a lodge ; and ac- 
cordingly they met from time to time thereafter . for 
instruction and improvement simply, for we have no 
record or other evidence of any attempt on their part 
to initiate new members or to do any other "work" 
until after they were regularly authorized so to do by 
a Warrant. 

After continuing the existence of their lodge as a 
social circle and as a medium of pleasant intercourse, 
and probably a school of instruction in the mysteries 
of the craft for nine years (it being only four days 
less) these brethren on the second day of March, 1784, 




FREE MASONS' HALL, LONDON, ENGLAND. 



SHOWING THE NEW BUILDING, OR WING ON THE RIGHT 

OF THE PICTURE IN WHICH THE LIBRARY 

IS SITUATED. 






MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 59 

made application to the Grand Lodge of England 
for a Warrant of Constitution. 

This application was made through Brother Wil- 
liam Moody, W. M. of Brotherly Love Lodge, whose 
residence was at No. 4 Himday Street, near Oxford 
Street in London. The application being in form, 
and naming the first officers and containing a list of 
all the brethren of the proposed new lodge, was en- 
trusted to a Brother Gregory, a seaman, who in per- 
son delivered it to Brother Moody. 

It may be of more than passing interest to our 
brethren to know that the following is a 

VERBATIM COPY OF THE APPLICATION FOR THIS CHARTER. 

Made by the author from the original on file in the 
Grand Lodge Archives in London: 

Wm. M. Moody, 

Most W. Master. 
Permit me to return you my hearty thanks for your 
brotherly courtesy to my Brothers Keed and Mene, 
when in a strange land and in a time of need, you 
was so good is to receive them as brothers, and to 
treat them so cordially is they informed me you did. 
What you have done to them I luck upon as done 
to me and the whole of us, for which I give you many 
thanks, and likewise to all the lodge. I hope they be- 
haved themselves as men and as masons with you: if 
not I would be glad if you would be so good as to 
Let me know of it and they shall Be Dealt with ac- 
cordingly Dear Br I would inform you that 

this Lodge hath been founded almost this Eaght 
years and had no Warrant yet But only a Permet 



60 harms' 

From Grand Master Row to work on St Johns days 
andfBury our dead in forme, which we would injoy. 
We have had no opportunity tell now of aplieing for a 
Warrant though we were prested upon to send to 
France for one but we refused for reasons best Known 
to ourselves. We now apply to the Fountain from 
whom we received light for this favor, And Dear Sir 
I must beg you to be our advocate for us by sending 
this our request to his Royal Highness the Duke of 
Cumberland, Grand Master and to the Bight Honor- 
able Earl of Effingham acting Grand Master, the 
Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens and the 
rest of the Brethren of the Grand Lodge that they 
would graciusly be pleased to grant us a Charter to 
hold this lodge as long as we behave up to the spirit 
of the Constitution. 

This our humble Petetion we hope His Highness 
and the rest of the Grand Lodge will graciously be 
pleased to grant us there. 

Though poor yet sincere brethren of the craft, and 
therefor in duty bound, ever to pray, I beg leave to 
subscribe myself 

Your loving Friend and Brother, 

Prince Hall, 
Master of the African Lodge, JVo. 1. 

June 30th, 1784; in the year of Masonry 5784. 

In the name of the holle Lodge. 

C. Underwood, Secretary. 

The record in the Grand Secretary's office in Lon- 
don also attest the correctness of the following: 
Receipt of Payment— Received, 28th of February, 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 61 

1787, of CAPTAIN JAMES SCOTT, Five pounds, 
Fifteen shillings and Sixpence being the Fee on the 
Warrant of Constitution for the African Lodge at 
Boston. For the Grand Lodge of the Society of 
Free and Accepted Masons. Wm. White, G. S. 

£5 15s 6d. 

On the twenty-ninth day of September 1784, the 
Warrant was granted; but it was not received in Bos- 
ton until three years afterwards. 

The cause of this long delay was that the person to 
whom the fee for the Charter had been entrusted, 
failed when in London, to pay it over to the Grand 
Secretary, A second fee was sent by these brethren 
through a Captain Scott, who went to London, and 
returned to Boston without calling upon the Grand 
Secretary. Nothing daunted, however, this faithful lit- 
tle band; for the third time entrusted their X6-8d. to 
the custody of a Mr. Hatfield to be delivered to the 
Secretary of the Grand Lodge of England. He 
proved himself a faithful messenger, and paid for the 
Warrant which was brought to Boston by Captain 
Scott, and delivered to Prince Hall and his associates. 

The following is a copy of 

THE OEIGINAL WABBANT: 

This precious document, is the Chief Corner-stone 
upon which our fabric is builded. 

' 'To all and every our right Worshipful 

and loving Brethren, we, Thomas Howard, 
Earl of Effingham, Lord Howard, <fec, 
&c, &c, Acting Grand Master, under 
the authority of His Royal Highness, 




62 harms' 

Henry Frederick, Duke of Cumberland, &c, &c, &c, 
Grand Master of the Most Ancient and Honorable 
Society of Free and Accepted Masons, send greeting: 
"Know Ye That We, at the humble petition of our 
right trusty and well beloved Brethren, Prince Hall, 
Boston Smith, Thomas Sanderson, and several other 
Brethren, residing in Boston, New England, in North 
America, do hereby constitute the said Brethren into 
a regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, under 
the title or denomination of the A frican Lodge, to be 
opened in Boston aforesaid, and do further, at their 
said petition, hereby appoint the said Prince Hall 
to be Master, Boston Smith, Senior Warden, and 
Thomas Sanderson, Junior Warden, for the opening 
of the said Lodge, and for such further time only as 
shall be thought proper by the brethren thereof, it 
being our will that this our appointment of the above 
officers shall in no wise affect any future election of 
officers of the Lodge, but that such election shall be 
regulated agreeable to such by-laws of said Lodge, as 
shall be consistent with the general laws of the society, 
contained in the Book of Constitutions; and we here- 
by will require you, the said Prince Hall, to take 
especial care that all and every one of said Brethren 
are, or have been legally made Masons, and that they 
do observe, perform and keep all the rules and or- 
ders contained in the Book of Constitutions; and 
further, that you do from time to time, cause to be 
entered in a book kept for that purpose, an account 
of your proceedings as a Lodge, together with such 
rules, orders and regulations as shall be made for the 
good government of the same; that in no wise you 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 63 

omit once in every year to send as, or our successors, 
Grand Master, or to Kowland Holt, Esq., our Deputy 
Grand Master, for the time being-, an account in writ- 
ing of your said proceedings, and copies of all such 
rules, orders and regulations as shall be made as 
aforesaid, together with the list of the members of 
the Lodge, and such a sum of money as may suit the 
circumstances of the Lodge and reasonably be ex- 
pected toward the Grand Charity. Moreover, we 
hereby will and require you, the said Prince Hall, 
as soon as conveniently may be, to send an account 
in writing of what may be done by virtue of these 
presents. 

"Given at London, under our hands and seal of 
Masonry, this 29th day of September, A. L. 5784, A. 
D. 1784. 

"By the Grand Master's command. 
Witness: Wm. White, G. S. 

"R. Holt, D. G. M." 

The Author has verified the facts from the records 
on file in the office of the Grand Secretary and from 
papers exhibited to him by the Grand Librarian of 
the Grand Lodge of England. That the foreg-oing 
is a genuine copy of the Charter as it was issued 
from that office. 

Now, while the Warrant was not delivered to Bro- 
ther Prince Hall and his associates for three years 
after it had been granted ; and the receipt shows that 
the fee was not paid over by its custodian until the 
28th of February, 1787, which must have had some 
bearing on his failure to make the delivery, it appears 
from the records that notice was given the brethren of 



64 HARRIS' 

the granting of their prayer. In support of this the- 
ory we have the following copy of a letter from the 
files of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of 
England, which the custodian assured the author has 
never been given out, or copied before. 

[The year in the date line is evidently intended for 
1785; but a blur made by the writer and the effects of 
the relentless hand of time make it appear as follows : 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GRANT OF CHARTER. 

Boston, September 22d, 1705. 
May it please your Royal Highness to Permit us 
your Humble Brethren of the African Lodge to Re- 
turn your Royal Highness the Wardens and the 
Brethren of the Grand Lodge under your Royal 
Highness charge, our Humble Thankes for your 
goodness to us in Granting us a charter from your 
Venerable and Honorable Lodge. For which we 
Pray Almighty God ever to Bless and Preserve till 
time shall be no more ; and from time to time Grant 
your Royal Highness and that noable Society that you 
may always mention that Blessed Spirit of our ever 
Blessed Grand Master Jesus Christ who though He 
styles Himself King of Kings and Lord of Lords, yet 
He is not ashamed to call the true member of His Fra- 
ternity His Beloved Brethren and such a condescend- 
ing spirit as this your Royal Highness with the Grand 
Lodge has abundantly manefested in Ho nring us, 
your onworthi members of the chraft with a Charter, 
this your Beneverlence to us will not only be receved 
by us with Love and grateud" (gratitude) "but will 
convence the Blind World that true Masonry hath 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 65 

something in it Divine and Noble and Diffuses Uni- 
versal love to all Mankind. And now may it Please 
your Royal Highness ; we shall always make it our 
study to Keep ouer selves within the bounds and lem- 
its of ouer Noble Constitution and under your Wise 
Derection as ouer Parent Grand Lodge. We shall 
always cheerfully obay your Daretitions" (directions) 
"which you may from time to time be pleased to send 
us ; I shall for my part as long as I shall have this 
Honour of filleing the cheear shall allways enDeaver 
to give thouse Lectteors as shall be most beneficile" 
{beneficial) "to there Light and Knowledge — &c, 
After whiching your Royal Highness and all your 
Elustres Familey all the Blessings of Prences hear 
Below you may reign King and Priestin the world 
above, and may the Grand Lodge Keep such a lodge 
here below that they keep a everlasting abod for ever 
more ; is the earnest whech and prayer of your Hum- 
ble and obedent Servant and Brother, 

Prince Hall. 

On the 6th day of May, 1787, African Lodge, No. 
459, was organized at Boston, agreeably to the tenor 
and requirements of the foregoing-charter. 

And it has been claimed that Prince Hall was 
regularly commissioned A PROVINCIAL GRAND 
MASTER for Colored Men and Masons in America. 
Whether this be true or not, it is certain that he was 
recognized at the office of the Grand Secretary in 
London as one who was in touch with and in posses- 
sion of information as to the status of the lodges on 
this side of the ocean, for in a letter written to him on 



66 HARRIS' 

the 20th of August, 1792, Brother Wm. White, Grand 
Secretary of that Grand Lodge, addresses him as "R.\ 
W.\ Brother; " in which letter the Grand Secretary 
makes inquiry of the status of certain lodges in 
America in the following language : 

"When you next write to me, I should be obliged 
to you, if you would let me know of the lodges in the 
enclosed list, which were constituted by the Grand 
Lodge of England, if they are yet in being, as we 
have never heard from them since the commencement 
of the late war in America, or, indeed, long before, 
and in case they have ceased to meet — which I rather 
apprehend they have — they ought to be erased from 
our list of lodges." 

No doubt the lodges referred to here are the lodges 
of white Masons, who had ceased to recognize the 
Grand Lodge of England, or any other foreign au- 
thority. 

African Lodge coutinued to meet and work during 
the life of Prince Hall, who as intimated above, ever 
cised the power of a provincial Grand Master as early 
as the beginning of 1792. In a certificate given to Bro- 
ther John Dodd in February of that year, we find the 
document signed, Prince Hall, G. M.; Cyrus Forbes, 
S. G. W.; George Middleton, J. G. W. 

IN PENNSYLVANIA. 

Masonry was introduced in Pennsylvania on the 
22nd of March, 1797, by a Dispensation granted by 
Prince Hall to the following fourteen brethren, who 
had received their degrees in England, viz; Peter 
Mantore, of True Blue Lodge, No. 253, and Peter 



MASONIC TEXT -BOOK. 67 

Bichrnond, Jonathan Harding, John Davis, Eichard 
Venable, Q. Butler, C. Brown, J. Peterson, J. Tucker, 
Jos. Ducking, and J. Kenley, of Gordon Lodge, ~No. 
222, and Lloyd Jefferies, John Holliugsworth and 
Eichard Mason. 

The Lodge organized by these brethren formed the 
nucleus around which the colored Masons of Pennsyl- 
vania gathered, and in time other lodges were formed; 
so that in 1815, there being enough lodges in the juris- 
diction to warrant the formation of a Grand Lodge, the 

FIRST INDEPENDENT AFRICAN GRAND LODGE 

of Pennsylvania was organized on the 27th of Decem- 
ber. This Grand Lodge chartered many Lodges in 
Pennsylvania and the States adjoining. 

IN RHODE ISLAND. 

By authority from Grand Master Prince Hall, we 
are informed that a Lodge was organized at Provi- 
dence, though we have not been able to get the date 
of this organization, but the record shows that this 
Lodge was one of those which joined in the formation 
of the African Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, in the 
year 1808. 

THE NATIONAL GRAND LODGE 

was organized by a Convention composed of African 
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The first Independent 
African Grand Lodge of North America, (Pennsyl- 
vania,) and the Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 
which met in Boston on the 23rd and 24th of June, 
1847. 



68 HAERIS' 

This was to have been the Supreme Masonic power 
in the United States, but opposition to it was de- 
veloped very soon after its organization, and so ef- 
fective were the blows waged against it that, though 
it has organized many Grand Lodges, its constituents 
have gradually fallen off until now there is not a 
State Grand Lodge under its jurisdiction. There is 
only a small faction in Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, 
South Carolina, Florida, and probably a few in Rhode 
Island and Virginia claiming to adhere to it. But 
the body as such agreed by vote in its regular session 
at Wilmington, Deleware, in 1887, to dissolve, as its 
day of usefulness had passed. 

IN VIRGINIA. 

In the years anterior to the War of the Rebellion, 
which began in 1861, the institution of slavery 
flourished in our State, as it did in all the States 
south of the Mason and Dixon's Line, and as was the 
case with colored men in all these States, our people 
accepted very readily, and without raising any sort of 
question; the teachings and edicts of their masters, 
or other white men who were supposed to be learned 
in any particular art or calling. Hence, when white 
men announced that negroes could not be Masons be- 
cause the Land-marks declare that "A candidate for 
Masonry must be free born," &c, our people very 
readily bowed in humble submission; and a number 
of those who under the laws, as they existed then, 
were regarded as "Free," left their state, and going to 
Philadelphia, were initiated into the mysteries of the 









.: 




M. W. ANTHONY A. PORTLOCK. 

FIRST GRAND MASTER OF THE M. W. UNION {National 
Compact) GRAND LODGE— A. F. AND A. M. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 69 

Craft. The best information obtainable on this sub- 
ject warrants us in the saying that this was the 
way in which the first Masons in our State received 
the "Light." The first Lodge in the State was Uni- 
versal, at Alexandria, which is still carried on our 
Eegister as No. 1. It was organized in 1845, February 
5th, and numbered among its members in its earlier 
days such men as Rev. Eobert H. Robinson and Alfred 
Hamilton, Peter Costin, and other equally noted old 
citizens of this old city. 

Rising Sun Lodge, of Norfolk, which still bears on 
our Register, the honorable desiguation of number 2, 
was the second Lodge in the State, and we have been 
informed that its pioneers, for the most part, like 
those of Universal Lodge, received their degrees in 
the city of "Brotherly Love." This Lodge, however, 
did not receive its charter until early in the sixties 
of the present century, about 1865, and at the time, 
and for a great while afterwards its membership com- 
prised all the colored masons in and around Norfolk. 

Of the original members of this Lodge we learn 
that all save Brother James W. Watts, have gone to 
their "Final Rest,' 7 and to receive the reward of their 
labor; but their names will be readily recalled as the 
ancestors of some of our best citizens of this section 
of the State. Some of those to whom we refer with 
pride, are Brothers Edward and Caleb Williams, Wil- 
liam Keeling, Robert Jordan, Robert V. Carney and 
Anthony A. Portlock, all of whom, though dead, yet 
live, having left their foot-prints for the edification 
and guidance of their posterity and the craft. 



70 Harris' 

We are not certain as to whether Morning Star 
Lodge, No. 3 or Eastern Light, No. 4, was organized 
first; but we learn that the natural rivalrj 7 , and the 
inclination of those whose desire was to demonstrate 
who could best work, and possibly who could best agree, 
soon resulted in a friendly division of the membership 
of old Rising Sun, and other lodges were planted in 
this section. 

THE FIRST GRAND LODGE. 

Following in the natural train, the brethren of these 
lodges began to feel that they were not in the enjoy- 
ment of all their rights aud privileges, as they were 
working under authority from the National Grand 
Lodge, which body in turn was composed of State 
Grand Lodges. Possibly our brethren may have view- 
ed it (the National Grand Lodge), as a foreign corpo- 
ration, or have regarded it somewhat in the light in 
which the early settlers in this country regarded the 
English Government prior to their adoption and pro- 
mulgation of the Declaration of Independence. At 
any rate the Union Grand Lodge was organized in two 
meetings held December 28th, 1865, and on the 17th 
of February, 1866, though the preliminary meeting 
looking to the organization was held October 29th, 
1865. 

As has been stated, previously, the National Grand 
Lodge met with very violent opposition very early af- 
ter its organization, and instead of its abating, it con- 
tinued to grow. And especially might this have been 
expected, when it is known that the lodges under the 
National Grand Lodge held to the idea which the 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 71 

white Masons constautly threw into the teeth of all 
colored men, that no man born in slavery could be a 
Mason. While this position was being held to so te- 
naciously by the men who were able to acquire mem- 
bership in these Lodges, the emancipation proclama- 
tion was issued by President Abraham Lincoln, and 
along with its results, the freeing of over five million 
colored people, the conditions in the whole country 
became changed and there sprung up in almost all the 
Southern States a sentiment in favor of joining the 
Free Masons, which was created or encouraged in 
great measure by preachers, teachers and missionaries, 
who had come South to work among the freed men. 

For the most part, these missionaries were Masons 
who had received their degrees in lodges that were 
under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodges that refused 
to recognize the National Grand Lodge, claiming that 
it was repugnent to the design of the organization to 
have any body or other organization higher than a 
Grand Lodge and that all State Grand Lodges were 
independent in themselves. Another idea which they 
advocated and which met with favor inthe south, was 
that, "There could not exist such a being as a human 
slave, in the sense that any one man had a natural right 
to possess another;' ' for as "God has created of one 
blood all nations of men to dwell upon the face of the 
Earth" and thereby hath made them all brothers, it wss 
repugnent to His justice and loving nature to tolerate 
or countenance such an institution. And, as the le- 
gal support to this system of might triumphing over 
right had been crushed out, as a consequence of the 



72 HARRIS 1 . 

war, it will be seen how readily inroads could be made 
upon those who still advocated that the freedmen were 
ineligible for membership in the craft, when these 
freedmen were as ten to one in comparison to those 
who were known as free men before the war. 

A SECOND GRAND LODGE. 

With these conditions present, Bev. M. F. Sluby, 
a minister in the A. M. E. Church was sent to Alex- 
andria to organize a church and to found a school for 
the freedmen. Being a Mason and a zealous advocate 
of the organization, and finding Universal Lodge there 
under the National compact, he did not hesitate to talk 
the advantages of Masonry; at the same time that he 
ridiculed the National compact. The result was the 
organization of Lincoln Lodge in 1865, which pro- 
cured a warrant from the Independent Grand Lodge 
of Maryland, which Grand Lodge styled its members 
F. and A. Ancient York Masons. 

During the next year, through the instrumentality 
of Eev. Brother J. B. Trusty, a Methodist minister of 
the C. M. E. Church, and who was stationed at the 
Union Street Church in Petersburg, a club of 72 men 
was organized for the purpose of being made Masons. 

Brother Trusty had previously received the degrees 
and being a member of a lodge in Philadelphia, which 
was under the Graud Lodge in that State, styling it- 
self the Ancient York Grand Lodge, took charge of 
the application and forwarded it to his Lodge, which 
in due time on the 16th of August, 1866, had a com- 
mittee come to Petersburg, and initiate, pass and raise 
the members of this club. 




M. W. JAMES H. JONES. 

FIRST GRAND MASTER OF THE M. W- STATES RIGHTS 
GRAND DODGE, F. A. A. Y. M. 1869. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 73 

After being made they divided themselves into three 
lodges of twenty-four members each. These lodges 
took the name of J. B. Trusty, Virginia and Abra- 
ham, and they are all existing to-day (1902) and are 
carried on our register as numbers 8, 9 and 10 respec- 
tively. 

On the fourteenth day of October, 1867, the three 
Petersburg lodges mentioned above, having procured 
Charters from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, met 
in Convention in their city, and after the proper for- 
malities, proceeded to organize "the Grand Lodge of 
F. and A. Ancient York Masons. 

All the officers were from Petersburg: Brother 
James H. Jones being Grand Master; Brother Douglas 
Johnson, Deputy Grand Master, and Brother William 
Green, Grand Secretary. At the quarterly session of 
June 23rd, 1868, Lincoln Lodge was represented for 
the first time by Brother Hannibal S. King, who has 
since gone to his long rest. 

Thus from time to time, the two Grand Lodges kept 
their organizations in fact. But as the membership in- 
creased, as the members of the two sides commingled in 
social and friendly ways in their respective communi- 
ties, the desire for a union manifested itself, and the 
matter was talked over by prominent members of both 
Grand Lodges; and as a result a conference of the two 
Grand Lodges was held in St. Luke's Hall on Franklin 
street in Eichmond, on the 9th day of December, 1873. 

This body was presided over by Brother E. D. 
Eeckley, of Alexandria, of the Union Grand Lodge, 
while Brother James H. Jones, of Petersburg, of the 



74 HARRIS* 

Ancient York Grand Lodge, acted as Secretary; Bro< 
ther James E. Faller was Assistant Secretary, and 
Eev. H. Marshall was Chaplain. 

This conference adopted a basis of union, the reso- 
lution being offered by Eev. Brother H. Marshall, and 
amended by Brother Thomas G. Gladman of Lynch- 
burg, as follows: 

Whereas, We, the members of the Masonic Con- 
ference Committee of the Grand Lodge of Ancient 
York Masons of the State of Virginia, and Uuion 
Grand Lodge of the State of Virginia, assembled in 
St. Luke's Hall, Franklin street, Richmond, Va., on 
the 9th day of December, 1873, the following plan 
for the consolidation of the above named Grand 
Lodges, was agreed to by the Conference. Having 
done all we can to effect a union by series of resolu- 
tions, amendments and substitutes, and having failed 
in all attempts in that direction, therefore be it 

Resolved, That we, the Ancient York Masons of the 
State of Virginia, earnestly ask that the Union Grand 
Lodge of the State of Virginia, now in session iu the 
city of Richmond; when its session adjourns it will 
meet with the Grand Lodge Ancient York Masons of 
Virginia at our next regular Annual Grand Communi- 
cation in June 1874, and that the business of our 
Grand Lodge pertaining to its regular course will cease 
and our earnest attention will be given to effecting a 
union of both Grand bodies by the election of a Grand 
Master for the State of Virginia. Both Grand Mas- 
ters shall be in the chair meanwhile, and then and 
there shall surrender their gavels to the Grand Mas- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 75 

ter elect. By so doing, there will be no sacrifice of 
principles on either side, and each Grand Lodge shall 
cease to issue charters from this date. 

The foregoing statement was published as an ap- 
pendix to the minutes of the Ancient York Grand 
Lodge for 1874, and was signed by the following 
brethren, who represented that body in the Con- 
ference, viz: Eev. Henry Marshall, Z. A. Langley, 
John E. Smith, D. J. Butts, John H. Harris, Mat- 
thew B. Thomas, Lewis H. Carter, Joseph Coleman, 
George H. Dabney, James H. Jones, Manson Logwood, 
Thomas Hill and Joseph Cox. 

The statement is also made in this appendix, that 
the other (Union) Grand Lodge failed to meet as 
agreed to by its conferrees. 

With affairs in this condition it might have ap- 
peared that the union of the craft was indefinitely, 
or even permanently postponed; but such was not the 
case. The brethren were really in earnest and they 
continued their agitation of the subject until they 
succeeded in arranging for a joint meeting of the two 
Grand Lodges in Petersburg, on the fifteenth day of 
December, 1875. 

THE UNITED GRAND LODGE. 

This meeting was held under the plan provided by 
the conference of 1873, and after an all night session 
in the Harrison Street Baptist Church, their labors 
culminated in the organization of the M. W. United 
Grand Lodge, by a union of the Union (National Com- 
pact) Grand Lodge with seventeen subordinate lodges 



76 HARRIS' 

and the Ancient York Grand Lodge with eighteen 
subordinates. The elective officers who were chosen 
by the now united Grand Lodge, were M. W. James 
E. Fuller, Norfolk, Grand Master; E. W. John W. 
Toney, Richmond, Deputy Grand Master; R. W. 
Thomas G. Gladman, Lynchburg, Senior Grand War- 
den; R. W. Edward L. Stokes, Petersburg, Junior 
Grand Warden; R. W. R. A. Perkins, Lynchburg, 
Grand Secretary; R. W. James Stewart, Richmond, 
Grand Treasurer, and R. W. C. R. Foster, Charlottes- 
ville, Grand Lecturer. In honor of this event a grand 
street parade took place and at night a public address 
was delivered in the Harrison Street Baptist Church, 
by Rev. W. B. Derrick, of Richmond; and later the 
wives and lady friends of the Petersburg Masons ten- 
dered the Grand Lodge a banquet. 

Of the thirty five lodges of which the Grand Lodge 
was composed at this time, four of them have ceased 
to work. They are St. John's, No. 5, at Portsmouth; 
Warren, No. 14, at Richmond; Orient, No. 22, at 
Alexandria, and Prince Hall, No. 29, at Lynchburg. 
But in their stead, there have been constant additions 
to our membership, until the Warrant issued to Hiram 
Abiff Lodge in the year 1900, bore the number 90. 

Of the original officers, all, down to the Junior 
Grand Warden, have served as Grand Master; Brother 
R. A. Perkins has gone to join the Grand Lodge above, 
and Brother James Stewart, though living, is dead to 
the craft. The others are still active and honored 
craftsmen in their several communities. 

Thus we have traced the history of Masonry in Vir- 




M. W. JAMES E. FULLER. 

THE FIRST GRAND MASTER OF THE United GRAND DODGE, 1875. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 77 

ginia in a brief way, and feel that we have shown, 
First, that Prince Hall and his associates had an honor- 
able and legal organization, which, with pride, could 
trace its ancestry to the Grand Lodge of England, 
which was the mother of Masonry in this country, for 
both the white and colored Masons. Second, that the 
two Grand Lodges of this State were the fruits of the 
organization planted by Prince Hall, himself, in Penn- 
sylvania, and of that planted by Pennsylvania into 
Maryland. Third, that the organization of the pres- 
ent Grand Lodge in the State having been effected in 
the usual and regular way, accepted by all recognized 
Masonic authorities, we bid our brethren point to their 
Mother Grand Lodge as a parent worthy of their pride 
and praise. 

CHAPTEE X. 

THE CONSTITUTION OF MASONRY, OR AHIMAN REZON,* 

When during the reign of Athelstane, his brother 
Prince Edwin, of glorious memory, obtained from the 
King a Free Patent or Charter to Masons, imparting 
"power to regulate themselves, to amend what might 
happen amiss, and to hold a yearly communication in 
General Assembly," he accordingly summoned all the 



■*This is the Masonic title for the Book of Constitutions. It is derived from 
three Hebrew words ahim, brothers, manah, to prepare, and razon, the will 
or law; and signifies therefore literally "the law of prepared brothers." It 
contains the rules and regulations of the Order, an exposition of the duties 
of officer*, the rights of members, the detail of ceremonies to be used on 
various occasions, such as consecrations, funerals, etc.; and in fine, a sum- 
mary of all the fundamental principles of Masonry. To this book, refer- 
ence is to be made in all cases, where the by-laws of the Grand Lodge are 
silent, or not sufficiently explicit.— -Mic^y'.? Lexicon of Free Masonry. 



78 HARRIS' 

* * Masons in the realm to meet him in congrega- 
tion at York, who came and formed the Grand Lodge 
under him as their first Grand Master, Anno Domini 
926. And we have authentic record for the fact that 
they brought many old writings, some in Greek, some 
in Latin, some in French, and other languages, and 
from the contents thereof they framed the Constitu- 
tions of the English Lodges, and made a law for 
themselves, to preserve and observe the same for all 
time to come. 

This Constitution, we have good reason to believe, 
continued the supreme law among the Fraternity, 
wheresoever dispersed, down to the year 1721, Sep- 
tember 29, at which time, as the records show, his 
Grace John Montagu, Duke of Montagu, being Grand 
Master, and with the Grand Lodge, ordered Brother 
James Audersou, A. M., Grand Senior Warden, to 
digest the same in a new and better form and method; 
and at a session of the Grand Lodge ou 27th Decem- 
ber, 1721, said Grand Master Montagu presiding, at 
the desire of the Grand Lodge, appointed fourteen 
learned brothers to examine Brother Anderson's manu- 
script of the Constitution Book, and to make report. 

In Grand Lodge at the Fountain tavern in the 
Strand, in Ample Form, 25th March, 1722, his Grace 
the Duke of Montagu presiding, and the representa- 
tives of twenty- four Lodges. 

The said committee of fourteen reported that they 
had perused Brother Anderson's manuscript of the his- 
tory, charges, regulations and Master's songs, and 
after some amendments, had approved of the same; 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 79 

upon which the Grand Lodge desired the Most Wor- 
shipful Grand Master to order the following to be 
printed, which was accordingly done, and has, with 
very slight modifications, continued to this day as the 
Constitution and Eegulations of Ancient Free and 
Accepted Masonry, and is emphatically The Book of 
Constitutions , now in force throughout the civilized 
world, being thus of universal application to the in- 
terests of Masonry, should be well studied and under- 
stood by every Mason. Worshipful Brother Albert 
G. Mackey, in his truly valuable Lexicon, gives the 
following definition to "the Book of Constitution:" 

"The book containing the system of laws and cus- 
toms of the Fraternity; it is the same as the Ahiman 
Rezon. It is among the charges to a newly installed 
Master of a lodge, that he is to search the Book of 
Constitutions at all times, and cause it to be read in 
his lodge, that none may pretend ignorance of the 
excellent precepts it contains. This book, guarded 
by the Tiler's sword, constitutes the emblem in the 
Master's degree intended to admonish the Mason that 
he should be guarded in all his words and actions, 
preserving unsullied the Masonic virtues of silence 
and circumspection which are inculcated in that 
book." 

And he might have added, with advantage to Mas- 
ters of Lodges that it is emblematic of the great house- 
hold of Masonry in which the Initiates of the four 
quarters of the globe have an abiding and immediate 
interest by the selection of its members, and, there- 
fore, have entrusted every Master of a Lodge with an 



80 HARRIS' 

officer called a Tiler, and armed him with a drawn 
sword to prevent the ingress of any unworthy member 
into the Institution of Masonry. — Doves Text Book. 

OF THE TEMPER AND QUALITIES REQUISITE IN THOSE 
WHO WOULD BE FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. 

Before we enter upon the duties of a Free Mason, 
in the various offices and stations to which he may be 
called in the Lodge, it is proper to give some account 
of the temper and qualities which are absolutely re- 
quisite in all who aspire to partake of the sublime 
honors and advantages belonging to those who are 
initiated into the mysteries, and instructed in the art 
of Ancient Masonry. 

SECTION I. 

CONCERNING GOD AND RELIGION. 

Whosoever from love of knowledge, interest or 
curiosity, desires to be a Mason, is to know, that as 
his foundation and great corner stone, he is to believe 
firmly in the Eternal God, and to pay that worship 
which is due to Him as the great Architect and Gov- 
ernor of the Universe, A Mason is also obliged by 
his tenure to observe the moral law, as a true Noachida*-, 
and if he rightly understands the Koyal Art, he can- 
not tread in the irreligious paths of the unhappy liber- 
tine, or stupid atheist, nor, in any case, act against 
the great inward light of his own conscience. 

He will likewise shun the gross errors of bigotry and 
superstition; making a due use of his own reason, ac- 



*Sons of Noah, the first name for Free Masons. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 81 

cording to that liberty wherewith a Mason is made free. 
For although in ancient times, the Christian Masons 
were charged to comply with the usages of the coun- 
tries where they sojourned or worked, (being found in 
all nations, and of divers religions and persuasions,) 
yet it is now thought most expedient, that the brethren 
in general, should only be charged to adhere to the es- 
sentials of religion, in which all men agree; leaving 
each brother to his own private judgement, as to par- 
ticular modes and forms. Whence it follows that all 
Masons are to be good men and true — men of honor 
and honesty, by whatever religious names or persua- 
sions distinguished; always following that golden pre- 
cept, of "doing unto all men as they would that all 
men should do unto them." 

Thus, since Masons, by their tenure, must agree in 
the three great articles of Noah, Brotherly Love, Be- 
lief and Truth, Masonry becomes the centre of union 
among the brethren, and the happy means of concili- 
ating and cementing into one body, those who might 
otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance; 
thereby strengthening the divine obligations of re- 
ligion and love. 

SECTION II. 

CONCERNING GOVERNMENT AND THE CIVIL 
MAGISTRATE. 

Whoever will be a true Mason, is farther to know, 
that by the rules of this art, his obligations as a sub- 
ject and citizen will not be relaxed but enforced. He 
is to be a lover of quiet; peceable and obedient to the 



82 HARRIS' 

civil powers, which yield him protection, and are set 
over him where he resides or works, so far as they in- 
fringe not the limited bounds of reason and religion. 
Nor can a real Craftsman ever be concerned in plots 
against the State, or be disrespectful to the magistracy; 
because the welfare of his country is his peculiar care. 

But if any brother by forgetting for a time the rules 
of his Craft, and listening to evil counsels, should un- 
happily fall into a contrary conduct, he is not to be 
countenanced in his crimes or rebellion against the 
State; but he forfeits all benefits of the Lodge, and 
his fellows would refuse to associate or converse with 
him in private, while he continues in his crimes; that 
neither offence nor umbrage may be given to lawful 
government. But such a person is still considered as 
a Mason, his character as such being indefeasible; and 
hopes are to be entertained, that the rules of the Craft 
may again prevail with him, over every evil counsel 
and device that may have led him astray. 

Because of this quiet and meek temper of true Masons 
and their constant desire to adorn the countries where 
they reside with all useful arts, crafts and improve- 
ments, they have been from the earliest ages, encou- 
raged and protected by the wisest rulers of States and 
commonwealths; who have likewise thought it au 
honor to have their names enrolled among the Frater- 
nity. And thus Masonry having always flourished 
most in the most flourishing and peaceable times of 
every country, and having often suffered in a particu- 
lar manner through the calamitous effects of war, 
bloodshed, and devastation, the Craftsmen are there- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 83 

fore the more stroogly engaged to act agreeably to the 
rules of their art, in practicing peace and love; as far 
as possible with all men. 

SECTION III. 
CONCERNING PRIVATE QUALITIES AND DUTIES. 

In regard to himself, whoever would be a Mason, 
should know how to practise all the private virtues. 
He should avoid all manner of intemperance or excess, 
which might obstruct his performance of the laudable 
duties of his Craft, or lead him into crimes which would 
reflect dishonor on the Ancient Fraternity. He is to 
be industrious in his profession, and true to the lord 
and master he serves. He is to labor justly and not to 
eat any man's bread for nought, but to pay truly for 
his meat and drink. What leisure his labor allows, 
he is to employ in studying the arts and sciences with 
a diligent mind, that he may the better perform all 
his duties (as aforesaid) to his Creator, his country, his 
neighbor and himself. For, in a few words, "to walk 
humbly in the sight of God, to do justice, and love 
mercy,' 7 are the truly indispensable characteristics of 
a real Free and Accepted Mason. 

For the better attainment of these shining qualities, 
he is to seek and acquire, as far as possible, the vir- 
tues of patience, meekness, self denial, forbearance 
and the like, which give him the command over him- 
self, and enable him to govern his own family with 
affection, dignity and prudence; at the same time 
checking every disposition injurious to the world, and 
promoting that love and service which brethren of the 



84 HARRIS' 

same Lodge or household owe to each other. There- 
fore afford succor to the distressed, to divide our bread 
with the industrious poor, and to put the misguided 
traveller into the way, are qualities inherent in the 
Craft, and suitable to its dignity. But though a 
Mason is never to shut his ear unkindly to the com- 
plaints of any human species, yet when a brother is 
oppressed or suffers, he is in a more peculiar manner 
called to open his whole soul in love and compassion 
to him, and to relieve without prejudice, according to 
his capacity. 

It. is further necessary, that all who would be true 
Masons, should learn to abstain from malice and slan- 
der, evil-speaking, backbiting, unmannerly, scornful, 
provoking, reproachful and ungodly language; and 
that he should know how to obey those that are set 
over him, on account of their superior qualifications 
as Masons, however they may be in worldly rank or 
station. For although Masonry divests no man of his 
temporal honors or titles, but on the contrary, highly 
respects them, yet in the lodge, pre-eminence of vir- 
tue and knowledge in the Royal Art, is considered as 
the true fonntain of all nobility, rule and government. 

The last quality and virtue which I shall mention 
as absolutely requisite in all those who would be Ma- 
sons, is that of secrecy, which, indeed, from its im- 
portance, ought to have held the first place in this 
chapter, if it had not been intended to treat of it more 
fully, as a conclusion of the whole. 

So great stress is laid upon this particular virtue, 
that it is enforced among Masons under the strongest 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 85 

penalties and obligations, nor, in their esteem, is any 
man to be counted wise who is void of intellectual 
strength and ability to cover and conceal such honest 
secrets as are committed to him, as well as his own 
more serious affairs. Both sacred and profane history 
teach us, that numerous virtuous attempts have failed 
of their intended scope and end through defect of 
secret concealment. 

The ancient philosophers and wise men (the princes 
of whom were Masons) were so fully persuaded of the 
great virtue of secresy that it was the first lesson which 
they taught their pupils and followers. Thus in the 
school of Pythagoras we find it was a rule that every 
novitiate was to be silent for a time, and refrain from 
speaking, unless when a question was asked, to the end 
that the valuable secrets which he had to communicate 
might be the better preserved and valued. Lycurgus 
made a perpetual law, obliging every man to keep se- 
cret whatever was committed to him, unless it were to 
the injury of the state. And Cato, the Eoman Censor, 
told his friends, that of three things (if ever he happened 
to be guilty) he always repented, viz: 1st. If he di- 
vulged a secret; 2d. If he went on water when he might 
stay on dry land; and 3d. If he suffered a day to pass 
without doing (or endeavoring to do) some good. We 
also read that the Persian law punished the betraying 
of a secret more grievously than any other common 
crime. 

Nor is the virtue of secresy recommended only by 
the wisest heathen philosophers and law-givers, but 
likewise by the fathers of the church and by inspired 
writers. 



86 HARRIS' 

St. Ambrose places the patient gift of silence among 
the principal foundations of virtue, and the wise King 
Solomon deems the man unworthy to reign, or have 
any rule over others, who cannot command himself 
and keep his own secrets. A discoverer of secrets, he 
deems infamous and a traitor; but him that conceals 
them, he accounts a faithful brother. "A tale 
bearer," says he, "revealeth secrets; but he that is a 
faithful spirit concealeth them. Discover not a secret 
to another, lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, 
and thine infamy turn not away. He that keepeth 
his tongue, keepeth his own soul." To the same pur- 
pose in the book of Ecclesiasticus (chap, xxvii.) we 
meet with the following beautiful passages, worthy to 
be forever recorded in the hearts of all Masons: 

" Whosoever discovereth secrets, loseth his credit, 
and shall never find a friend to his mind. Love thy 
friend, and be faithful unto him; but if thou bewray - 
est his secrets, follow no more after him: for as a man 
hath destroyed his enemy, so hast thou lost the love 
of thy neighbor. As one that letteth a bird go out of 
his hand, so hast thou let thy neighbor go, and shall 
not get him again. Follow after him no more, for he 
is too far off; he is as a roe escaped out of the snare. 
As for a wound, it may be bound up; and after revil- 
ing, there may be reconcilement; but he that bewray - 
eth secrets is without hope." 

Thus far has been spoken of the internal qualities 
and virtues required in all who aspire to the sublime 
honor and advantage of becoming Free and Accepted 
Masons. We speak next of the external qualities, 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 87 

and the steps to be pursued, in order to obtain initia- 
tion and admission into a duly warranted lodge of 
Ancient York Masons. 

Be it known to you, then, in the first place, that no 
person is capable of becoming a member of such lodge, 
unless, in addition to the qualities and virtues men- 
tioned above, or at least a disposition and capacity to 
seek aud acquire them, he is also "free born, of ma- 
ture and discreet age; of good report; of sufficient 
natural endowments, and the senses of a man; with an 
estate, office, trade, occupation, or some visible way 
of acquiring an honest livelihood, and of working in 
his Craft, as becomes the members of this most ancient 
and honorable Fraternity, who ought not only to earn 
what is sufficient for themselves and families, but like- 
wise something to spare for works of charity and for 
supporting the ancient grandeur and dignity of the 
Eoyal Craft. Every person desiring admission, must 
also be upright in body, not deformed or dismem- 
bered at the time of making, but of hale and entire 
limbs, as a man ought to be." 

Thus, you see, a strict, though private and impar- 
tial inquiry, will be made into your character and 
ability before you can be admitted into any Lodge; 
and by the rules of Masonry, no friend who may wish 
to propose you can show you any favor in this respect. 
But if you have a friend who is a Mason, and is every 
way satisfied in these points, his duty is described as 
follows, viz: 



88 HARRIS* 

SECTION IV. 

CONCERNING THE PROPOSING OF NEW MEMBERS 

IN A LODGE. 

Every person desirous of being made a Free Mason 
in any Lodge, shall be proposed by a member thereof, 
who shall give an account of. the candidate's name, 
age, quality, title, trade, place of residence, description 
of his person, and other requisites as mentioned in the 
foregoing sections. And it is generally required that 
such proposal be also seconded by some one or more 
members, who likewise know something of the candi- 
date. Such proposal shall also be made in lodge 
hours, at least one lodge night before initiation, in 
order that the brethren may have sufficient time and 
opportunity to make a strict inquiry into the morals, 
character, circumstances and connections of the candi- 
date, for which purpose a special committee is some- 
times appointed. 

The brother who proposes a candidate, shall at the 
same time deposit such a sum of money for him as the 
rules or By-laws of the Lodge may require, which is 
forfeited to the Lodge, if the candidate should not at- 
tend according to his proposal; but is to be returned 
to him, if he should not be approved or elected. In 
case he is elected, he is to pay (in addition to his de- 
posit) such further sum as the laws of the Lodge may 
require, and clothe the Lodge, or make some other 
present, if his circumstances will admit, and the 
brethren agree to accept the same for the benefit of the 
Craft, and of distressed members.* 

*Formerly candidates would either present each member a present or 
make a donation to the general Charity fund. But in these latter times the 
custom prevails to have candidates to furnish a supper or some form of re- 
freshment on the night of their making. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 89' 

Having shown that a strict enquiry will be made 
into their character, justice requires that the candi- 
dates should also be advised to be alike circumspect on 
their side, and to make enquiry into the character of 
the Lodge into which they desire admission; for there 
is no excellence without its opposite, and no true coin 
without counterfeits. 

In the first place, then, they have a right before 
admission, to desire their friend to show them the 
Warrant or Dispensation by which the Lodge is held; 
which, if genuine, they will find to be an instrument 
printed or written upon parchment, and signed by the 
Grand Master, and Grand Secretary, sealed with the 
Grand Lodge seal, constituting particular persons 
(therein named) as Master, Senior and Junior War- 
dens, with full power to congregate and hold a Lodge 
at such place, and therein "make and admit Free 
Masons, according to the most ancient and honorable 
custom of the Craft, (in all ages and nations) through- 
out the known world; with full power and authority 
to nominate and choose their successors," &c. 

They may request the perusal of the By-laws, which, 
being short, may be read in the presence of his friend, 
or vouched; and they may be shown also a list of the 
members of the Lodge, by all which, the candidates 
will be the better able to judge whether they would 
choose to associate with them, and submit to be con. 
formable to their rules. Being thus free to judge for 
himself, he will not be liable to the dangers of decep- 
tion, nor of having his pocket picked by impostors, 
and of, perhaps, being afterwards laughed at into the 



90 HARRIS' 

bargain; but, on the contrary, he will be admitted into 
a Society, where he will converse with men of honor and 
honesty, be exercised in all the offices of brotherly love, 
and be made acquainted with mysteries of which it is 
not lawful to speak further, or to reveal out of the 
Lodge. 

CHAPTEE II. 

In this Chapter, under proper heads, we give the 
general regulations now in force, in all well regulated 
lodges. 

SECTION I. 

CONCERNING A LODGE AND ITS GOVERNMENT. 

1. A Lodge, or more properly a lodge room, is a 
place in which Masons meet to work. The assembly 
or organized body of Masons is also called a Lodge, 
(just as the word church is expressive both of the con- 
gregation of people and of the place in which they meet 
to worship. It is officered by a Master, a Senior and 
a Junior Warden, Secretary, Treasurer, a Senior and 
a Junior Deacon, two Stewards, and a Tiler. 

2. The qualities of those who are to be admitted as 
members of a Lodge have been fully mentioned in the 
foregoing chapter, and it is only necessary to repeat 
here in general, that they are to be "free men of good 
report, of mature age, hale and sound, not deformed 
or dismembered at the time of their making, and no 
woman or eunuch." 

3. A Lodge ought to assemble for work at least once 
in each calendar month, and must consist of one 
Master, two Wardens — Senior and Junior, one Secre- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 91 

tary, one Treasurer, a Tiler and as many members as 
the Master and a majority of the Lodge shall, from 
time to time, think proper; but when a Lodge comes 
to be too numerous, some of the ablest master work- 
men, and others under their direction, may obtain 
leave to separate and apply to the Grand Lodge for a 
Warrant to work by themselves, in order to the farther 
advancement of the Craft, as the laws hereafter to be 
delivered will more particularly show. But such 
Warrant cannot be granted to any number of Masons, 
nor can a new Lodge be formed unless there be among 
them three competent Master Masons, to be nominated 
and installed officers for governing and instructing 
the brethren of such Lodge, and promoting them in 
due time according to their merit. 

4. When men of eminent quality, learning, rank or 
wealth apply to be made and admitted into the 
Lodge, they are to be accepted with proper respect 
after due examination, for among such are often 
found those who afterwards prove good Lords or 
founders of work, excellent officers and the ablest de- 
signers, to the great honor and strength of the Lodge. 
From among them also the Fraternity can generally 
have some honorable or learned Grand Master and 
other Grand Officers. But still these brethren are 
equally subject to all the charges and regulations, ex- 
cept in what more immediately concerns operative 
Masons and their preferment, as well as the prefer- 
ment of all other Masons, must be governed by the 
general rule; that is to say, founded upon real worth 
and personal merit, and not upon mere seniority, or 
any other particular rank or quality. 



92 HARRIS* 

5. In order that due decorum may be observed 
while the Lodge i,s engaged in what is serious and 
solemn, and for the better preservation of secrecy 
and good harmony, a brother well skilled in the Mas- 
ter's part, shall be appointed and paid for tiling the 
lodge door during the time of communication. 

6. Every Lodge shall keep a book containing their 
By-laws, the names of their members, with a list of 
all the Lodges under the same Grand Lodge, and 
united in general communication; with the usual 
times and places of meeting of such Lodges, and such 
other necessary parts of their transactions as are 
proper to be written. 

7. No Lodge shall make more than five new breth- 
ren at one time, unless by Dispensation from the 
Grand Master, nor shall any person be made or admit- 
ted a member of the Lodge without being proposed one 
month before, (unless in particular cases,) that due 
notice may be given to all the members, to make the 
necessary enquiries mto the candidate's character and 
connections, and that there may be such unanimity in 
the election and admission of members as the By-laws 
require, because unanimity is essential to the being of 
every Lodge; and, therefore, no member can be im- 
posed on any Lodge, by any power whatever, with- 
out their consent; nor would it be proper to admit any 
brother to work among them who has openly violated 
the sacred principles of Masonry, until undoubted 
proof of his reformation has been given, lest the har- 
mony of the Lodge might be thereby disturbed: and 
not then, till a certificate is produced of his having 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 93 

paid all arrearages to that lodge of which he was last 
a member; for should any lodge admit a brother, who 
is in arrears to any other lodge, the lodge where he 
is admitted makes the debt their own. 

8. As every Lodge has a right to keep itself an en- 
tire body, it ought never to interfere in the business 
of another Lodge. Therefore it would be highly im- 
proper in any Lodge to confer a degree on a brother 
who is not of their household; for every lodge ought to 
be competent to their own business, and are indubitably 
the best judges of the qualifications of their own mem- 
bers; and it does not follow as of course, that a bro- 
ther admitted among the household as an Apprentice, 
to learn the Eoyal Art, is capable of taking charge of 
that household, however skilled he may be in his ap- 
prenticeship; for there are many very necessary quali- 
fications essential in those who are promoted to the 
higher orders. 

9. As the officers of every lodge are the proper 
representatives of their own lodge in Grand Lodge, 
still for the sake of equal representation, the officers 
are allowed proxies, when unable to attend them- 
selves, which proxies must be appointed by the ma- 
jority of every particular Lodge when duly congre- 
gated, and their appointment shall be attested by the 
Secretary, with the seal of their Lodge. And every 
Lodge has the privilege of instructing their Master 
and Wardens, or their proxies, for their conduct in 
the Grand Lodge at its communications. 

10. Every brother ought to be a member of some 
Lodge, nor is it proper that any number of brethren 



94 HARRIS' 

should withdraw or separate themselves from the 
Lodge in which they were made, or were afterwards ad- 
mitted members, without a sufficient cause, although 
the right is an inherent one, and can never be re- 
strained by any power whatever; still, such separation 
would be improper, unless the Lodge becomes too 
numerous for working; in which case a sufficient 
number may withdraw with the approbation of their 
Lodge, in order to form a new one. But before ap- 
plication can be made to the Grand Lodge, they shall 
pay all dues to their Lodge, and give them notice in 
writing that they intend to apply to the Grand Lodge 
for a Warrant to form a new one. The Lodge then 
shall certify to the Grand Lodge the cause of the 
application, and at the same time shall recommend 
the most competent brethren as Master and Wardens, 
before they can obtain the Warrant. And no set of 
Masons, without such Warrant, shall ever take upon 
themselves to work together or form a new Lodge. 

SECTION II. 
OF THE ANCIENT MANNER OF CONSTITUTING A LODGE. 

A new Lodge, for avoiding many irregularities, 
should be solemnly Constituted by the Grand Master, 
with his Wardens, and such repesentatives of the 
Grand Lodge as he may select, or in the Grand Mas- 
ter's absence, the Deputy or such appointee as the 
Grand Master may designate, acts for his Worship, 
and appoints others to act as Grand Wardens pro 
tempore. 

The Lodge being opened, and the candidates or 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 95 

new Master and Wardens being yet among their fel- 
low craftsmen, the Grand Master shall ask his 
Deputy if he has examined them, and whether he 
finds the Master well skilled in the noble science and 
the Royal Art, and duly instructed in our mysteries, 
&o. The Deputy answering in the affirmative, shall 
(by the Grand Master's order) take the candidate from 
amongst his fellows, and present him to the Grand 
Master, saying: "Most Worshipful Grand Master, 
the brethren here desire to be formed into a regular 
Lodge, and I present my worthy Brother A. B. to be 
installed their Master, whom I know to be of good 
morals and great skill, true and trusty, and a lover of 
the whole Fraternity, wheresoever dispersed over the 
face of the earth." 

Then the Grand Master, placing the candidate on 
his left hand and having asked and obtained the 
unanimous consent of the brethren, shall say, (after 
some other ceremonies and expressions.) "I con- 
stitute and form these good brethren into a regular 
Lodge, and appoint you, Brother A. B. the Master of 
it, not doubting of your capacity and care to preserve 
the cement of the Lodge," &c. 

Upon this the Deputy, or some other brother for 
him, shall rehearse the charge of a Master, and the 
Grand Master shall ask the candidate, saying: "Do 
you submit to these charges as Masters have done in 
all ages:" and the new Master signifying his cordial 
submission thereto, the Grand Master shall by certain 
significant ceremonies and ancient usages, install him 
and present him with his Warrant, the Book of Con- 
stitutions, the Lodge book, and the instruments of 



96 HARRIS' 

his office, one after another, and each of them, the 
Grand Master, his Deputy, or some brother for him, 
shall rehearse the short and pithy charge, that is 
suitable to the thing presented 

Next, the members of this new Lodge, saluting in 
proper form; the Grand Master, shall return his wor- 
ship their thanks, and shall immediately do homage 
to their Master, and (as faithful Craftsmen) signify 
their promise of subjection and obedience to him, by 
usual congratulations. 

The Deputy and Grand Wardens, and any other 
brethren that are not members of this new Lodge, 
shall next congratulate the new Master; and he shall 
return his becoming acknowledgements, first to the 
Grand Master and Grand Officers, and to the rest in 
their order. 

Then the Grand Master orders the new Master to 
enter immediately upon the exercise of his office; and 
he calling forth his Senior Warden, presents him to 
the Grand Master for his worship's approbation, and 
to the new Lodge for their consent; upon which the 
Senior or Junior Grand Warden, or some brother for 
him, shall rehearse the charge of a Warden, &c, of a 
private Lodge, and he signifying his cordial submis- 
sion thereto, the new Master shall present him singly, 
with the several instruments of his office, and in an- 
cient manner and due form install him in his propert 
place. 

In like manner the new Master shall call forth his 
Junior Warden, who shall be a Master Mason, and 

fThe Grand Wardens generally install the Wardens at new Constitutions, 
as being best qualified for transacting such business. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 97 

present him (as above) to the Junior Grand Warden, 
or some other brother in his stead; and he shall in the 
above manner be installed in his proper place; and 
the brethren of this new Lodge shall signify their 
obedience to their new Wardens, by the usual con- 
gratulations due to Wardens. 

The Grand Master then gives all the brethren joy 
of the Master and Wardens, <fcc, and recommends 
harmony, &c, hoping their only contention will be a 
laudable emulation in cultivating the Royal Art, and 
the social virtues. 

Then the Grand Secretary, or some brother for him, 
(by the Grand Master's order), in the name of the 
Grand Lodge, declares and proclaims this new Lodge 
duly constituted No.—, &c. Upon which all the new 
Lodges together, (after the custom of Masters,) return 
their hearty and sincere thanks for the honor of his 
Constitution. 

The Grand Master also orders the Grand Secretary 
to register this new Lodge in the Grand Lodge 
book, and to notify the same to the other particular 
Lodges; and after some other ancient customs and 
demonstrations of joy and satisfaction, he orders the 
Senior Grand Warden to close the Lodge. 

SECTION III. 

CONCERNING THE BEHAVIOE OF MASONS AS 
MEMBERS OF A LODGE. 

1. Of Attendance. 

Every brother ought to belong to some regular 
Lodge, and should always appear therein properly 



98 HARRIS' 

clothed, and in clean and decent apparel, truly sub 
jecting himself to all its By-laws and general regula- 
tions. He must attend all meetings, whether stated or 
emergent, when duly summoned, unless he can offer to 
the Master and Wardens such plea of necessity for his 
absence as the said laws and regulations admit. 

By the ancient rules and usages of Masonry, (which 
are generally adopted among the By-laws of every 
Lodge,) no plea was judged sufficient to excuse any 
absentee, unless he could satisfy the Lodge that he 
was sick, lame, in confinement, upwards of three miles 
from the place of meeting, or detained by some ex- 
traordinary and unforeseen necessity. 

2. Of Working. 

All Masons should work hard and honestly on work- 
ing days, that they may live reputably, and appear in a 
decent and becoming manner on holidays. All the 
working hours appointed by law, or confirmed by cus- 
tom, are to be strictly observed under the penalties and 
fines hereafter to be laid down. The hours of work are 
"from eight o'clock in the evening till eleven, between 
March and September, and from seven till ten, 
between September and March," or such hour as the 
By-Laws may appoint. 

The Master and Masons shall faithfully finish the 
Lord's work, whether task or journey; nor shall they 
take the work at task, which have been accustomed 
to journey. 

None shall envy a brother's prosperity; nor sup- 
plant or put him out of his work, if capable to finish it. 

All Masons shall meekly receive their wages with- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 99 

out murmuring or mutiny, nor desert the matter till 
the Lord's work is finished. They must avoid all un- 
becoming modes of expression, calling* each other 
Brother and Fellow, both within and without the 
Lodge, with much courtesy as beseemeth. They 
shall instruct the younger brothers to become bright 
and expert workmen, that the Lord's materials be not 
spoiled. But as Free and Accepted Masons, they 
must not allow cowans to work with them, nor even be 
themselves employed by cowans, without an urgent 
necessity. And when such necessity happens, they 
shall have a separate communication, and not suffer 
cowans to learn from them, nor any laborer to be 
employed in the proper work of Free Masons. 

3. Of Behavior in the Lodge while open. 

While the Lodge is open for work, Masons must 
hold no private conversation or committees, without 
leave from the Master; nor talk of anything foreign 
or impertinent to the work in hand; nor interrupt the 
Master or Wardens, or any other brother addressing 
himself to the chair; nor act ludicrously while the 
Lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn; but 
every brother shall pay due reverence to the Master, 
the Wardens, and all his Fellows, and put them to 
worship. 

Every brother found guilty of a fault shall stand to 
the award of the Lodge, unless he appeals to the 
Grand Lodge; but if the Lord's work be hindered in 
the meanwhile, a particular reference may be made. 

No private piques, or quarrels about nations, fami- 
lies, religions or politics, must be brought within the 

L.ofC. 



100 HARRIS' 

doors of the Lodge, as being directly contrary to the 
rules already laid down — Masons being declared of 
the oldest Catholic religion, universally acknowledged 
as such, and of all nations, bound to live upon the 
square, level and plumb with each other, following 
the steps of their predecessors, in cultivating the 
peace and harmony of the Lodge, without distinction 
of sect or political party. 

4. Of Behavior after the Lodge is closed, and he fore 
the Brethren depart home. 
When the Lodge is closed, and the labors of the 
day finished, the brethren before they depart home 
to their rest, may enjoy themselves with innocent 
mirth, enlivened and exalted with their own peculiar 
songs, and sublime pieces of music, treating one 
another according to ability, but avoiding all excess 
and compulsion, both in eating and drinking; consid- 
ering each other in the hours both of labor and festivity 
as always free. And, therefore, no brother is to be 
hindered from going home when he pleases; for 
although after Lodge hours, Masons are as other 
men, yet if they should fall into excess, the blame, 
though unjustly, may be cast upon the Fraternity by 
the ignorant or envious world. 

SECTION IV. 

CONCERNING THE BEHAVIOR OF MASONS IN THEIR 

PRIVATE CHARACTER. 

1. When a number of Brethren happen to meet, with- 
out any Strangers among them, and not 
in a formal Lodge. 
In such a case you are to salute each other in a 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 101 

courteous manner, as you are or may be instructed 
in the Lodge, calling each other brother, and freely 
communicating hints of knowledge, but without dis- 
closing secrets, unless those who have given long 
proof of their taciturnity and honor; and taking care 
in all your actions and conversations, that you are 
neither overseen or overheard of strangers. In this 
friendly intercourse no brother shall derogate from 
the respect due to another, were he not a Mason. 
For though all Masons, as brothers, are upon the 
level, yet Masonry (as was said in a former section) 
divests no man of the honors due to him before, or 
that may become due after he was made a Mason, 
On the contrary, it increases his respect, teaching us 
to add to all his other honors those which, as Masons, 
we cheerfully pay to an eminent brother, distin- 
guishing him above all of his rank and station, and 
serving him readily according to our ability. 

2. When in presence of Strangers, who are not Masons. 

Before those who are not Masons, you must be 
cautious in your words, carriage and motions; so that 
the most penetrating stranger shall not be able to 
discover what is not proper to be intimated. The 
impertinent and ensnaring questions, or ignorant and 
idle discourse of those who seek to pry into the 
secrets and mysteries committed to you, must be 
prudently answered and managed, or the discourse 
wisely diverted to another subject, as your discretion 
and duty shall direct. 

3. When at Home and in your Neighborhood. 

Masons ought to be moral men, and fully qualified 



102 HARRIS 1 

as is required in the foregoing sections and charges. 
Consequently they should be good husbands, good 
parents, good sons and good neighbors, not staying 
too long from home, avoiding all excess injurious 
to themselves or families, and wise as to all affairs, both 
of their own household and of the Lodge, for certain 
reasons known to themselves. 

4. Of Behavior towards a Foreign Brother or 
Stranger. 

You are cautiously to examine a stranger or foreign 
brother, as prudence and the rules of the Craft 
direct, that you may not be imposed upon by a pre- 
tender; and if you discover any one to be such, you 
are to reject him with scorn and shame, taking care 
to give him no hints; but such as are found to be true 
and faithful you are to respect as brothers, according 
to what is directed above; relieving them, if in want, 
to your utmost power; or directing them how to find 
relief, and employing them, if you can, or else recom- 
mending them to employment. 

5. Of Behavior behind a Brother's back as well as 
before his face. 

Free and Accepted Masons have ever been charged 
to avoid all manner of slandering and backbiting of 
true and faithful brethren, with all malice and unjust 
resentment, or talking disrespectfully of a brother's 
person or performance. Nor must they suffer any 
others to spread unjust reproaches or calumnies 
against a brother behind his back, nor to injure him 
in his fortune, occupation or character; but they shall 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. i03 

defend such a brother, and give him notice of any 
danger or injury wherewith he may be threatened, to 
enable him to escape the same, as far as is consistent 
with honor, prudence, and the safety of religion, 
morality and the state, but no further. 

6. Concerning Differences and Law Suits, if any 
should unhappily arise among Brethren. 

If a brother do you an injury, or if you have any 
difference with him about any worldly or temporal 
business or interest, apply first to your own or his 
Lodge to have the matter in dispute adjusted by the 
brethren. And if either party be not satisfied with 
the determination of the Lodge, an appeal may be 
carried to the Grand Lodge, and you are never to 
enter into a law suit, till the matter cannot be decided 
as above. And if it be a matter that wholly concerns 
Masonry, law suits are to be entirely avoided, and the 
good advice of prudent brethren is to be followed, as 
they are the best referees of such differences. 

But where references are either impracticable or un- 
successful, and courts of law or equity must at last 
decide, you must still follow the general rules of Ma- 
sonry already laid down, avoiding all wrath, malice, 
rancor and personal ill-will in carrying on a suit with 
a brother, neither saying or doing anything to hinder 
the continuance or renewal of that brotherly love and 
friendship which are the glory and cement of this 
Ancient Fraternity. 

Thus shall we show to all the world the benign in- 
fluence of Masonry, as wise, true and faithful brethren 
before us have done from the beginning of time; and 



104 HARRIS' 

as all who shall follow us and would be thought 
worthy of that name will do, till architecture shall be 
dissolved, with the great fabric of the world, in the 
last general conflagration ! 

These charges, and such others as shall be given 
to you, in a way that cannot be written, you are strict- 
ly and conscientiously to observe; and that they may 
be the better observed, they should be read or made 
known to new brethren at their making, and at other 
times, as the Master shall direct. Amen! So mote it be. 

SECTION V. 

OF THE MASTER OF A LODGE, HIS ELECTION, 
OFFICE AND DUTY. 

No brother can be Master of a lodge till he has 
first served the office of Warden somewhere, unless in 
extraordinary cases, or when a new lodge is to be 
formed, and no past or former Warden is to be found 
among the members. In such cases, three Master 
Masons, although they have served in no former 
offices, (if they be well learned,) may be constituted 
Master and Wardens of such new Lodge, or any 
Lodge in the like emergency. 

The Master of every Lodge shall be chosen by bal- 
lot on the stated Lodge night before each St. John's 
day; and the present Wardens (where they regularly 
are) shall be put up among the number of candidates 
for the chair, but shall then withdraw, while every free 
member {viz: all who have paid up their fines and 
dues, or have been excused payment according to 
law) gives his vote in favor of him whom he deems 
most worthy. Each free member hath one vote, and 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. i05 

the Master two votes, where the number of votes hap- 
pens to be equal, otherwise he has but one vote. 

When the ballot is closed, and before it be examined, 
the former Master shall order the candidates to be 
brought back before him, and to take their seats 
again as Wardens. He shall then carefully examine 
the poll, and audibly declare him that hath the ma- 
jority of votes duly elected. 

The Master elect shall then nominate one for the 
Senior Warden's chair, and the present Master and 
brethren shall nominate one in opposition; both of 
whom shall withdraw till the ballot is closed as afore- 
said, after which they shall be called before the 
Master, and the poll shall be examined and declared 
by him as above directed; in like manner shall the 
Lodge proceed in the choice of all the inferior offi- 
cers, great care being taken that none be put in nomi- 
nation for favor or affection, birth or fortune, exclu- 
sive of the consideration of real merit and ability, to 
fill his office for the honor and advancement of Ma- 
sonry. No Mason chosen into any office can refuse 
to serve without incurring the penalties laid down in 
the chapter of fines, unless he has served in the same 
office before. The Master of every regular Lodge, 
thus duly elected and installed, has it in his special 
charge (as appurtenant to his office, duty and dignity) 
to see that the By-laws of his Lodge, as well as the 
general regulations from the Grand Lodge, be duly 
observed; that his Wardens discharge their office 
faithfully, and be examples of diligence and sobriety 
to the Craft; that true and exact minutes and entries 
of all proceedings be made and kept by the Secretary; 



106 HARRIS 5 

that the Treasurer keep and render exact and just ac- 
counts at the stated times, according to the By-laws 
and orders of the Lodge; and in general, that all the 
goods and moneys belonging to the body be truly 
managed and dispensed, as if they were those of his 
own private household, according to the vote and di- 
rection of the majority, whether in charity or in 
working; and that no more wages than are just be 
given to any Fellow or Apprentice. 

The Master shall further take care that no Appren- 
tice or Fellow be taken into his house or Lodge, un- 
less he has sufficient employment for him, and finds 
him to be the son of honest parents, a perfect youth, 
without maim or defect in body, of full age, and other- 
wise duly qualified (according to the rules before laid 
down) for learning and understanding the sublime 
mysteries of the Art. Thus shall the Lords or Foun- 
ders be well served, and the Craft not despised. 
Thus also shall such Apprentices, when expert in the 
business of their apprenticeship, be admitted, upon 
further improvement, as Fellow Crafts; and in due 
time, be raised to the sublime degree of Master Ma- 
sons, capable themselves to undertake the Lord's 
work; animated with the prospect of passing in fu- 
ture through all the higher honors of Masonry, viz: 
those of Wardens and Masters of their Lodges, and 
perhaps, at length, Grand Wardens and Grand Mas- 
ters of all the Lodges, according to their merit. 

The Master of a particular Lodge has the right and 
authority of calling his Lodge, or congregating the 
members into a Chapter * at pleasure, upon the appli- 

*This privilege is never exercised now in American lodges; the system 
of Royal Arch Chapters, having rendered it unnecessary. 



Masonic text-boos. 107 

cation of any of the brethren, and upon any emer- 
gency and occurrence, which in his judgment may 
require their meeting; and he is to fill the chair when 
present. It is likewise his duty, together with his 
Wardens, to attend the Grand Lodge at the quarterly 
communications, and also the Steward's Lodge, and 
such occasional or special Grand Communications as 
the good of the Craft may require, when duly sum- 
moned by the Grand Secretary, and within such 
reasonable distance of the place of holding the Grand 
Lodge as the laws of the same may have ascertained 
on that head. When in the Grand or Steward's 
Lodge, and at General as well as Special Communi- 
cations, the Master and Wardens, or either of them, 
have full power and authority to represent their 
Lodge, and to transact all matters relative thereto, as 
well and as truly as if the whole body were there 
present. 

The Master has the right of appointing some 
Brother (who is most commonly the Secretary of the 
Lodge) to keep the book of By-laws and other laws 
given to the Lodge by the proper authority; and in 
this book shall also be kept the names of all the 
members of the Lodge, and a list of all the Lodges 
within the said Grand Communication, with the 
usual times and places of their meeting. 

The Master has also the particular right of pre- 
venting the removal of his Lodge from one house to 
another; and whereas several disputes have arisen on 
this head, and it hath been made a question in whom 
the power of removing a Lodge to any new place is 
invested, when the old place of meeting appears to be 



108 HARRIS* 

inconvenient, the following rule for this purpose hath 
been finally agreed upon and settled by lawful au- 
thority, viz: 

"That no Lodge be removed without the Master's 
knowledge, nor any motion made for that purpose in 
the Lodge when he is absent. But if the Master be 
present, and a motion be made for moving the Lodge 
to some other more convenient place (within the dis- 
trict assigned in the Warrant of such Lodge), and if 
the said motion be seconded and thirded, the Master 
shall order summonses to every individual member of 
the Lodge, specifying the business and appointing a 
day for hearing and determining the affair, at least 
ten days before, and the determination shall be made 
by the majority. But if the Master is not of the ma- 
jority, the Lodge shall not be removed, unless full 
two-thirds of the members present have voted for 
such removal. 

"But if the Master refuse to direct such summons 
to be issued (upon a motion duly made as aforesaid), 
either of the Wardens may direct the same;. and if the 
Master neglects to attend on the day fixed, the War- 
den may preside in determining the affair in the 
manner above prescribed. But the Lodge shall not, 
in the Master's absence (on such special call), enter 
upon any other cause or business but what is par- 
ticularly mentioned in the said summons. 

"If the Lodge is thus regularly ordered to be re- 
moved, the Master or Warden shall send notice to 
the Grand Secretary that such removal may be noti- 
fied and duly entered in the Grand Lodge books at 
the next Grand Lodge. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. . 109 

"N. B. It is also a good method to have a certifi- 
cate from the Grand Lodge that such removal hath 
been allowed; confirmed and duly registered in their 
books; which will be a business of course, unless an 
appeal be lodged against such removal by the 
minority, and then a hearing will be given to both 
parties in the Grand Lodge, before such removal be 
confirmed or registered in their books." 

The Master's duty in making and admitting new 
brethren, and some other particular duties of his 
office, being such as cannot be written, save on the 
tablet of his heart, are, therefore, not to be looked 
for in this place; and moreover such duties as more 
particularly belong to the Master and other officers 
of Lodges, when they sit as members of the Grand 
Lodge, are to be learned from the chapter which 
treats of the Grand Lodge. 

SECTION VI. 

OF THE WARDENS OF A LODGE, 

1. None but Master Masons can be Wardens of a 
Lodge. The manner of their election, and several of 
their duties being connected with the election and 
duties of the Master, have been mentioned in the 
former section. 

2. The Senior Warden succeeds to all the duties 
of the Master, and fills the chair when he is absent. 
Or if the Master goes abroad on business, resigns, 
demits or is deposed, the Senior Warden shall forth- 
with fill his place till the next stated time of election. 
And although it was formerly held that in such cases 
the Master's authority ought to revert to the last Past 



110 HARRIS' 

Master who is present, yet it is now the settled rule 
that the authority devolves upon the Senior Warden, 
and in his absence upon the Junior Warden, even 
although a former Master be present. But the 
Wardens will generally waive this privilege in honor 
of any Past Master that may be present, and will call 
on him to take the chair, upon the presumption of 
his experience and skill in conducting the business 
of the Lodge. Nevertheless such Past Master still 
derives his authority under the Senior Warden, and 
cannot act til] he congregates the Lodge. If none 
of the officers be present, nor any former Master, to 
take the chair, the members according to seniority 
and merit, shall fill the places of the absent officers. 
The business of the Wardens in the Lodge is 
generally to assist the Master in conducting the 
business thereof and managing the Craft in due order 
and form, when the Master is present, and in doing 
his duties (as above set forth) when he is necessarily 
absent; all which is to be learned from the foregoing 
section. Particular Lodges do likewise by their By- 
laws assign particular duties to their Wardens for 
their own better government; which such Lodges 
have a right to do — provided they transgress not the 
old land marks, nor in any degree violate the true 
genius and spirit of Masonry. 

SECTION VII. 

OF THE SECRETARY OF A LODGE. 

The Secretary shall keep a regular record of all 
transactions and proceedings of the Lodge that are 
fit to be committed to writing, which shall be faith- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. Ill 

fully entered in the Lodge books, from the minutes 
taken in open Lodge after being duly read, amended 
(if necessary) and approved of, preferably before the 
close of every meeting, in order that the said trans- 
actions, or authentic copies thereof, may be ready to 
be laid before the Grand Lodge if required. 

In particular, the Secretary shall keep exact lists of 
all the members of the Lodge, with the times of 
admission of new members; and upon or near every 
St. John's Day, before the meeting of the Grand 
Lodge, shall prepare and send to the Grand Secretary 
the list of members for the time being, which shall be 
signed by the regular officers of each Lodge; to the 
intent that the Grand Secretary, and consequently 
the members of the Grand Lodge may be at all times 
enabled to know the names and number of members 
in each Lodge under their jurisdiction, with the 
handwriting of the different officers (Masters and 
Secretarys), and to pay all due respect to the brethren 
recommended or certified by them from time to time. 

SECTION VIII. 

OF THE TREASURER OF A LODGE. 

The Treasurer is to receive and keep exact accounts 
of all moneys raised or paid in, according to the rule 
for the advancement of the Lodge and benefit of the 
brethren, and to pay all orders duly drawn upon him 
by the authority of the Lodge. He is to keep regular 
entries, both of his receipts and disbursements, and 
to have his books and vouchers always ready for 
examination at such stated times as the By-laws re- 



112 HARRIS' 

quire, or when specially called upon by order of the 
Master and brethren. 

The Treasurer is likewise to have the charge and 
custody of the chest, jewels and furniture of the 
Lodge, unless when the Master and majority may 
judge it more convenient to appoint some other re- 
sponsible brother for that particular duty, or when the 
officers of the Lodge may take the charge immediately 
upon themselves. The Warrant in particular is in the 
charge and custody of the Master. 

SECTION IX. 

OF THE DEACONS OF A LODGE. 

To the Senior and Junior Deacons, with such as- 
sistants as may be necessary, is entrusted the examina- 
tion of visitors. It is their province also to attend on 
the Master and Wardens, and to act as their proxies 
in the active duties of the Lodge, such as the recep- 
tion of candidates into different degrees of Masonry, 
and in the immediate practice of our rites. 

SECTION X. 

OF THE TILER OF A LODGE, 

The Tiler shall be a Master Mason, of knowledge 
and experience, and generally a brother is to be pre- 
ferred, to whom the fees of the office may be necessary 
and serviceable, on account of his particular cir- 
cumstances. His duty is fixed by custom, and known 
to every brother; and his chief charge is, not to admit 
any person, (not even a member, while the Lodge is 
sitting,) without the knowledge and consent of the 
presiding officer; neither shall he admit any visitor 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 113 

(that is not a member of a Warranted Lodge) a se- 
cond time, sojourners producing- certificates excepted. 

CHAPTER III. 
SECTION I. 

OF A GRAND LODGE. 

1. A Grand Lodge consists of the Masters and War- 
dens of all the regular Lodges in its jurisdiction, who, 
when duly assembled, have the inherent power to 
elect the Grand Officers, which are a Grand Master, 
Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior 
Grand Warden, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, 
Grand Lecturer, Grand Senior Deacon, Grand Junior 
Deacon. 

2. The Present Grand Ofiicers, and all Past Grand 
Masters, and Past Grand Wardens and Past Masters 
of regular lodges under the same Grand jurisdiction, 
are members of the Grand Lodge, and to constitute 
a quorum for business it is necessary there should be 
the representatives of five regular lodges. 

3. The Grand Lodge thus organized should meet at 
least once a year, and this meeting to be considered 
and denominated the Grand Annual Communication. 
The Grand Communication thus convened, shall have 
a right at all times, and possess an inherent power 
and authority to make local ordinances and new regu- 
lation, as well as to amend old ones, for their own 
particular benefit, and the good of Masonry in gen- 
eral; provided always, that the ancient landmarks be 
carefully preserved, and that such regulations be first 
duly proposed in writing, for the consideration of all 



114 HARRIS' 

the members, and be finally regularly enacted by the 
consent of the majority. This has never been dis- 
puted, for the members of every Grand Lodge are the 
representatives of all the Fraternity in Communica- 
tion, and are an absolute and independent body, 
with legislative authority: provided, as before ob- 
served, that the Grand Masonic Constitutions be pre- 
served inviolate; nor any of the landmarks removed. 
And at this Grand Lodge the different Lodges by 
their officers or representatives, shall attend with or 
without notice. 

4. No brother whatever can be admitted into the 
Grand Lodge, unless he is a member of some regular 
Lodge; nor does the appointment of a brother to an 
office in the Grand Lodge prevent his holding an 
office in the private Lodge whereof he is a member. 

5. A brother of the rank of Master, having business, 
or whose attendance may be necessary in point of 
evidence or intelligence, or any other brother, upon 
motion, or leave asked and obtained, may be admitted 
into the Grand Lodge; but such brother, being admit- 
ted, shall not be allowed to vote, nor have a right to 
speak on any question or matter in debate, without 
leave, or unless desired to give his opinion, and then 
he is to confine himself to matters that concern Ma- 
sonry only. 

6. Every Master or Warden of a private Lodge, 
and all other members of the Grand Lodge, shall, 
whenever attending the same, be clothed in the 
jewels which they ought to wear in their own private 
Lodge, except for some good and sufficient reason to 
be allowed of in the Grand Lodge. And when any 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 115 

officer of a private Lodge, from such urgent business 
as may necessarily plead his excuse, cannot personally 
attend the Grand Lodge, his own Lodge may nomi- 
nate and appoint any one of their members (being a 
Master Mason) with his jewels and clothing, to supply 
his place, and support the honor of his Lodge in the 
Grand Lodge: provided such deputy has a certificate 
of his appointment, with the seal of the Lodge, and 
attested by the Secretary. 

SECTION II, 

IN CASE OF THE ABSENCE OF ANY OF THE GRAND OFFICERS. 

1. If the Grand Master is absent at any meeting of 
the Grand Lodge, either stated or occasional, the 
Deputy Grand Master is to supply his place; if the 
Deputy Grand Master be likewise absent, the Senior 
Grand Warden takes the chair; and in his absence, 
the Junior Grand Warden; and although by old regu- 
lations, the Master or Past Master of any private 
lodge, who has been longest a Mason, had the pre- 
ference of the chair, in the absence of the Grand Offi- 
cers, yet now the rule is, that the Master of the senior 
private Lodge who may be present, is to take the 
chair. Nevertheless, any of them may waive the 
privilege, to do honor to a Past Grand Officer, or any 
eminent brother and Past Master. In all cases, the 
brother filling the chair may nominate his Deputy, 
and call on any eminent brethren to fill the vacancies 
of the Grand Lodge pro tern. 

2. The Grand Master at all times, when he finds he 
must necessarily be absent from any Lodge, still has 
the privilege of giving a special commission, under 



116 HARRIS' 

his hand and seal of office, to any eminent brother, 
being a member of the Grand Lodge, to supply his 
place, if the Deputy Grand Master should not attend, 
or be necessarily absent. 

3. In case of the death of a Grand Master, or any 
other Grand Officer the same order of succession and 
precedence shall take place, as is above set forth, till 
the next election; when they shall be regularly 
chosen and duly installed. 

SECTION III. 

OF THE PARTICULAR BUSINESS. 

1. The business of the Grand Lodge at their stated 
Annual Communications is seriously to discourse of, 
and sedately to consider, transact and settle all mat- 
ters that concern the prosperity of the Craft, and the 
Fraternity in general, or private lodges, and single 
brothers in particular. Here, therefore, are all dif- 
ferences to be seriously considered and decided 
that cannot be made up and accommodated privately, 
nor by particular Lodges. And if any brother thinks 
himself aggrieved by the decision of any private 
Lodge, he may, by lodging an appeal in writing with 
the Grand Secretary (who shall summon the party 
and their witnesses to appear at the next ensuing 
Grand Communication), have the matter reheard, 
and finally determiued upon; and the Grand Lodge 
may adjourn from day to day until the business is 
finished. And the Graud Master, or presiding 
officer, when the Lodge is regularly opened, shall 
communicate to the Lodge the nature of whatever 
business is to come before them; and for the sake of 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 117 

admitting witnesses, it is esteemed most proper to try 
all matters of controversy in a committee of the 
Lodge; and in order thereto, the presiding officer 
shall direct a committee of the whole Lodge to meet 
in the Lodge room on the succeeding day for the 
aforesaid purposes; who shall examine and determine 
upon all and every kind of business that may be re- 
ferred to them, and make a report of their proceed- 
ings to the Grand Lodge on the same evening for 
their ratification. 

2. In hearing all complaints and punishing delin- 
quents, according to the laws of the Craft, they are 
instructed to adhere most religiously to the old 
Hebrew regulation, viz: "If a complaint be made 
against a brother by another brother and he be 
found guilty, he shall stand to the determination of 
the Lodge; but if the accuser or complainant cannot 
support his charge, and it should appear to the 
Lodge to be groundless, being the result of hatred, 
malice or some unwarrantable passion, he shall incur 
such penalty as the accused would have done had he 
been duly convicted." 

3. All matters of controversy before the Grand 
Lodge shall be determined by a majority of votes; 
that is to say, the Grand Master or presiding officer 
having one vote (unless in case of an equal division, 
and then two), the Deputy Grand Master one vote; 
the other Grand Officers for the time being one vote 
each; the Past Grand Officers one vote each and Past 
Masters collectively, one vote; and the officers, or 
their proxies, of each particular Lodge, collectively 
three votes. 



118 HARRIS* 

4. The Grand Master or presiding officer shall 
for the sake of convenience in voting, direct every 
collective body to sit together that when a question 
is before the Lodge they may consult among them- 
selves how the vote shall be given, and when the 
question is put, either by holding up of hands, or 
otherwise, one of those collective bodies shall vote for 
the whole, and that duty should fall on the senior 
Mason. 

SECTION IV. 

OF PARTICULAR REGULATIONS. 

1. The election of the officers of the Grand Lodge 
shall be annual. The Grand Master shall be elected 
by a majority of ballots. The other Grand Officers 
shall also be elected by a majority of ballots agree- 
ably to the manner of voting laid down in the pre- 
ceding section; all of which elections shall be for 
one year, and until a new election shall take place. 

2. Whenever application is made to the Grand 
Lodge by a sufficient number of brethren for a Char- 
ter to form a new Lodge the Grand Lodge shall not 
grant the Charter, unless the skill of the petitioners 
as Masons and their good conduct as men will justify 
it. Great regard should always be had to the morals 
of such brethren as are entrusted with this important 
charge; therefore it is highly essential that when the 
petitioners are not sufficiently known to the mem- 
bers of the Grand Lodge that a certificate of their 
Masonic and moral characters, from two or more 
eminent brethren, showing them to be Master 
Masons, regularly made, should accompany the peti- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 119 

tion; this being done the Grand Lodge shall then 
issue a Charter, authorizing the petitioners, with such 
other brethren as they may call to their assistance, to 
enter Apprentices, pass Fellow Crafts, and raise Mas- 
ter Masons, agreeably to the ancient customs. 

3. When a Lodge becomes too numerous for work- 
ing together, and application is made by some of 
the members for leave to separate and form a new 
Lodge, the cause of their separation should be cer- 
tified by their Lodge to the annual stated Grand 
Communication, at the same time recommending the 
most proper and fitting brethren as officers of the 
new Lodge before a Charter shall issue. 

4. The Grand Master, or in his absence out of the 
State, his Deputy may grant a Dispensation for form- 
ing a new Lodge, to continue in force until the next 
stated Grand Communication, provided the peti- 
tioners comply with the requisition in the preceding 
article; which Dispensation shall have the seal of the 
Grand Lodge, attested by the Grand Secretary, and 
entered by him in the book of proceedings — the fee 
for which shall be one guinea to the Grand Secretary. 
Still it shall rest with the Grand Lodge at their next 
Grand Communication, whether a Charter shall issue. 

5. Whenever a Charter shall issue from the Grand 
Lodge, which can be done at no other time than in 
Grand Communication, they shall direct a Dispensa- 
tion to issue, signed by the presiding officer, with 
the seal of the Grand Lodge and attested by the 
Grand Secretary directed to some Past Master with 
the powers to appoint his Wardens, to install the 
officers of the new Lodge and set them to work 



120 HARRIS 1 

agreeably to ancient customs and usages; but the 
Master of this new Lodge shall receive his degree in 
the presence of three Past Masters at least — all of 
which must be done before that Lodge can be en- 
titled to a representation in the Grand Lodge. 

6. Every Charter issued from the Grand Lodge 
shall be signed by the Grand Master for the time 
being, or in case of his death or absence out of the 
State by the Deputy Grand Master, sealed with the 
seal of the Grand Lodge, and attested by the Grand 
Secretary, directed to three reputable brethren, 
authorizing them to call in other brethren to their 
assistance, and to enter Apprentices, pass Fellow 
Crafts and raise Master Masons, agreeably to ancient 
customs and usages; the fee for which shall be 
$33.33 for the purpose of Grand Charity and other 
contingencies; and $6.67 to the Grand Secretary, to 
be paid previous to the delivery of the Charter. 

7. The members of the Grand Lodge, and of all 
Warranted lodges within their jurisdiction, so far as 
they have abilities and numbers, have an undoubted 
right to exercise all degrees of the Ancient Craft, but 
no Masons of any denomination can hold any Lodge, 
without a Warrant for the place where held. 

8. That each person admitted to any degree of Ma- 
sonry in the Grand Lodge, shall pay a fee for the 
purpose of the Grand Charity. 

9. Each Lodge on record, shall annually on the 
stated Grand Communication, pay to the Grand 
Treasury for the time being, as a support to the 

Grand Lodge, the sum of -, for each and every 

member belonging to such Lodge, 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 121 

10. The several Lodges on record shall transmit to 
the Grand Lodge annually, a list of all the officers 
and members composing each Lodge, distinguishing 
their rank and degree; together with such other mat- 
ters relating to the Craft in general, as may be deemed 
proper to communicate; and that the said list be re- 
corded by the Grand Secretary in a book to be set 
apart for that purpose; to the end that the Grand 
Lodge may at all times know the number of laborers 
engaged in this great work. 

11. Every brother requiring a Grand Lodge cer- 
tificate or diploma, which is impressed in form ? 
and signed by the proper officers, and signed also 
opposite the seal by the member himself, shall pay to 

the Treasury the sum of , towards the Grand 

Charity Fund. Nor is any brother to be entitled to 
such certificate, without a previous certificate from 
the Lodge of which he is a member, setting forth his 
regular behavior, and that he has discharged regu- 
larly all Lodge dues. 

CHAPTER IV. 

OF THE ELECTION, OFFICE AND DUTY OF THE 
GRAND OFFICERS. 

The election of Grand Officers shall be at the stated 
Communication, annually, and shall be the first busi- 
ness that comes properly before the Grand Lodge, 
after receiving the reports of the subordinate lodges 
represented. And the Grand Lodge being opened in 
ample form, the Most Worshipful Grand Master shall 
direct the Grand Lodge to proceed to the choice of 
Grand Officers for the ensuing year. 



122 HARRIS' 

SECTION I. 
OF THE ELECTION OF THE GRAND MASTER. 

The Most Worshipful Grand Master in the chair, 
shall call on the Grand Lodge to nominate some emi- 
nent and skillful brother or brethren for the office of 
Grand Master. Should there be but one in the nomi- 
nation, it shall be the indispensable duty of the Most 
Worshipful to nominate one other in the opposition: 
but if the present Grand Master is again eligible, and 
is then in the chair, and willing to serve another year, 
he shall direct his Deputy to nominate the one in op- 
position. The Grand Master shall, if eligible, be at 
all times in the nomination. The members shall 
then be directed to prepare their ballots for one of 
the brethren in the nomination, and when done, shall 
be collected by one of the Grand Deacons. The 
Worshipful Grand Master shall then call on two of 
the members to examine the ballots, and deliver to 
him in writing, the number of votes each candidate 
shall have; when the Worshipful Grand Master shall 
cause the brother having the greatest number of 
votes, to be thrice proclaimed aloud by the Grand 
Secretary, Grand Master of Masons! The Most 
Worshipful shall then cause the Grand Master elect 
to be conducted to the chair, and, after introducing 
him to the members as a brother skilled in the Royal 
Art, and a lover of the Craft, he shall be clothed with 
the badges of the office, and installed in due form. 

All the members shall then salute him according to 
the ancient and laudable customs of Masonry. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 123 



SECTION II. 



OF THE ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT OF THE 
DEPUTY GEAND MASTER. 

The Grand Master elect shall then nominate and 
appoint the Deputy Grand Master as being his in- 
herent right; because as the Grand Master is gen- 
erally a brother of the first eminence and abilities, 
and long experience, and cannot be supposed to give 
his attendance on every emergency, it hath always 
been adjudged needful, not only to allow him a 
Deputy, but that such Deputy should be a person in 
whom he can perfectly confide, and with whom he can 
have full harmony — for which reason it is proper 
that the Grand Master should have the nomination of 
his Deputy. Although cases may arise when the 
Grand Lodge may exercise the right of rejecting the 
Grand Master's nominations, and of choosing for 
themselves, of which case (although they seldom 
happen) the majority of the Lodge can only be judges. 

The Deputy Grand Master being thus chosen, or 
appointed as above, he shall be introduced, installed, 
congratulated and saluted in due form as before. 

SECTION III. 

OF THE ELECTION OF GRAND SENIOR WARDEN. 

The Grand Master elect shall then nominate some 
skillful brother as Grand Senior Warden, and the 
Grand Lodge have the inalienable right of nominat- 
ing one or more in opposition; (for an opposition is 
essentially necessary in the choice of all the officers,) 
and the person having the greatest majority of votes, 



124 Harris' 

or ballots, (still preserving 1 due harmony) is declared, 
as before, duly elected. 

The Grand Senior Warden being 1 thus elected, he 
shall be introduced, installed and saluted in due form 
as before. 

SECTION IV. 

OF THE ELECTION OF THE GRAND JUNIOR WARDEN, 

The election of the Grand Junior Warden is pre- 
cisely in the same manner as the Grand Senior War- 
den; but sometimes, for the sake of dispatch, both the 
Grand Wardens are elected together in balloting, by 
writing Senior opposite the name of one of the candi- 
dates, and Junior opposite the name of another. 

SECTION V. 
OF THE APPOINTMENT AND OFFICE OF GRAND SECRETARY. 

The office of Grand Secretary hath always been of 
very great importance in the Grand Lodge from the 
multiplicity of matters committed to his care, and 
from the abilities and learning requisite in the manage- 
ment of them. All the transactions of the Grand 
Lodge are to be drawn into form, and duly recorded 
by him. All petitions, applications and appeals, are 
to pass through his hands. No Warrant, certificate or 
instrument of writing from the Grand Lodge, is au- 
thentic, without his attestation or signature, and his 
affixing the Grand Seal as the laws require. The 
general correspondence with Lodges and brethren 
over the whole world, is to be managed by him 
agreeably to the voice of the Grand Lodge, and di- 
rections of the Grand Master or his Deputy; and he 
must, therefore, be ready to attend with his Assistant 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 125 

or Clerk, and the books of his Grand Lodge, in order 
to give all necessary information concerning the 
general state of matters, and what is proper to be 
done upon an emergency, 

For this reason, at every annual election of Grand 
Officers, the nomination or appointment of the Grand 
Secretary is considered as the inherent right of the 
Grand Master, being properly his amanuensis, and 
an officer as necessary to him as his Deputy. It is, 
therefore, held under the old regulations, which yet 
stand unrepealed, and if the Grand Lodge should dis- 
approve either of the Deputy Grand Master or Grand 
Secretary, they cannot disannul their appointment, 
without choosing a new Grand Master, by which all 
his appointments are rendered void. But this is a 
case which hath but very seldom happened, and 
which all true Masons hope there never will be any 
occasion to make a provision against. 

The Grand Secretary, by virtue, of his office, is a 
member of the Grand Lodge, and hath a right to vote 
in common with the Grand Wardens in everything; 
he also hath the right of appointiog his own Deputy, 
or Asssistant Grand Secretary or Clerk — but such 
Deputy or Clerk must be a Master Mason, yet shall 
not by virtue of that appointment be a member of 
the Grand Lodge, nor speak without being allowed 
or asked, unless he hath otherwise a right, by being 
either a Past Grand Officer, or Past Master, of some 
regular private Lodge within the jurisdiction. 



126 HARRIS' 

SECTION VI. 

OF THE ELECTION AND OFFICE OF GRAND TREASURER. 

The Grand Treasurer is elected by the body of the 
Grand Lodge in the same manner as the Grand 
Wardens, he being considered as an officer peculiarly 
responsible to all the members in due form assembled, 
as having the charge of their common stock and pro- 
perty. For to him is committed the care of all money 
raised for the General Charity and other uses of the 
Grand Lodge; an account of which, he is regularly to 
enterin to a book, with the respective ends and uses for 
which the several sums are intended, He is likewise 
to pay out or disburse the same upon such orders, 
signed, as the rules of the Grand Lodge in this respect 
shall allow valid. 

The Grand Treasurer, by virtue of his office, is a 
member of the Grand Lodge, and hath power to 
move the same in any matter that concerns his office, 
and may vote in common with the Grand Wardens; 
he hath a right to appoint an Assistant or Clerk, who 
must be a Master Mason, but shall have no vote, nor 
be a member of the Grand Lodge, nor allowed to 
speak without permission, unless otherwise entitled 
to a seat, as having been a Past Officer of the Grand 
Lodge, or Past Master or Deputy of some regular 
private Lodge within the jurisdiction. 

The Grand Treasurer, or his Assistant, shall always 
be present in the Grand Lodge, and ready to attend 
the Grand Master and other Grand Officers with his 
books for inspection when required; and likewise any 
Grand Committee that may be appointed for examin- 
ing and adjusting the accounts. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 127 

SECTION VII. 
OF THE GRAND DEACONS. 

The Grand Deacons, whose duty is well known in 
the Grand Lodge, as particular Assistants to the 
Grand Master and Wardens, in conducting the busi- 
ness of the Grand Lodge, are always members of the 
same, so long as they continue in their office, and are 
elected by the Grand Lodge as other Grand Officers. 

SECTION VIII. 
OF THE GRAND TILER AND GRAND PURSUIVANT. 

These officers must be Master Masons, but none of 
them are members of the Grand Lodge, by virtue of 
the office, nor allowed to speak on any matter before 
the Grand Lodge, without permission. 

The Grand Tiler's duty is to look after the door on 
the outward side, to see that none but members enter 
in; and not even them, if the Grand Lodge is opened, 
without first informing the Grand Master (through 
the chaunel of the Grand Pursuivant) of their being 
at the door, and wishing to enter. The Grand Tiler 
is also to summon the members on any special oc- 
casion or emergency, by order of the Grand Master or 
his Deputy, signified to him under the hand of the 
Grand Secretary or his Clerk. 

The business of the Grand Pursuivant is to stand at 
the inward door of the Grand Lodge, and to report the 
names and titles of all that want admission, as re- 
ported to him by the Grand Tiler. He is also to go 
upon messages while the Grand Lodge is open, and 
perform sundry other services known only in the 
Grand Lodge. 



128 HARRIS' 

SECTION IX. 

RULES TO BE OBSERVED DURING THE TIME OF 
PUBLIC BUSINESS. 

1. At the third stroke of the Master's gavel, there 
shall be a general silence, and he who breaks silence 
without leave from the Chair, shall be publicly repri- 
manded. 

2. Under the same penalty, every brother shall keep 
his seat and be perfectly silent whenever the Most 
Worshipful, his Deputy, or Wardens shall think 
proper to call to order. 

3. In the Grand Lodge every member shall take his 
seat according to the number of his Lodge, and not 
move about from place to place during the Communi- 
cation, except the Grand Wardens, as having more 
immediately the care of the Grand Lodge, and such 
other officers whose immediate business may call them 
to different parts of the Lodge room. 

4. No brother is to speak more than twice on the 
same subject, unless to explain himself, or when called 
upon by the Chair to speak. 

5. Every one who speaks shall rise and and keep 
standing, addressing himself in a proper manner to 
the Chair; nor shall any one presume to interrupt him 
under the aforesaid penalty, unless he is wandering 
from the point, and the Grand Master shall think 
proper to reduce him to order, and then the said speak- 
er shall sit down. But after he has been set right, he 
may again proceed if he pleases. 

6. If any member be twice called to order at any one 
Grand Lodge, for transgressing these rules, and is guilty 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK, 129 

of a third offence of the same nature, the Chair shall 
peremptorily order him to quit the Grand Lodge room 
for that night. 

7. Whoever shall be so rude as to hiss or laugh at 
any brother or what he may have advanced, shall be 
forthwith solemnly excluded from the Communica- 
tion, and declared incapable of ever being a member 
of the Grand Lodge in future, until another time he 
publicly owns his fault, and his grace be granted. 

8. No motion for a new regulation, or for the altera- 
tion of an old one, shall be made until it be first hand- 
ed up in writing to the Chair; then be moved publicly, 
and then audibly read by the Grand Secretary; and 
if it is then seconded, immediately be submitted to the 
consideration of the whole Assembly, that the sense 
of the Lodge may be fully heard upon it; after which 
the question shall be put, pro and con. 

9. In order to preserve harmony, it was thought ne- 
cessary to use counters and a balloting box when occa- 
sion requires; at other times by holding up of hands, 
or by putting the question aye or no. 

CHAPTEE V. 

OF GRAND VISITATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS. 

All the different Lodges in the same General Com- 
munication should, as much as possible, observe the 
same rules and usages. " Solomon, my son, forget not 
my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments, 
and remove not the ancient landmark which thy 
fathers have set." 

And to this end it shall be the duty of the Grand 



130 HARRIS' 

Master, or in his absence the presiding officer, on the 
Grand Lodge of annual election, to appoint some of 
the Grand Officers, or other skillful Past Grand Offi- 
cers or Past Masters, to visit all the Lodges within 
the Communication, and see that the ancient customs 
and usages are strictly observed. And as this laud- 
able duty has become impracticable, from the extent 
of their jurisdiction and large number of Lodges, for 
the brethren before mentioned, to perform the whole 
of this duty collectively, the Grand Master shall 
cause the Lodges to be laid off in convenient districts, 
and allot one or more visitors to each district, with 
such other assistants as may be thought proper, who 
shall be denominated District Deputy Grand Masters; 
and they shall make faithful report of their proceed- 
ings to the Grand Communication annually, accord- 
ing to the instructions given them. 

The brethren so appointed, shall have a Dispensation 
signed by the Grand Master, and attested by the 
Grand Secretary, aud with the seal of the Grand 
Lodge, explaining the nature of their business, whose 
duty then shall be to visit every Lodge of his district 
at one of their stated meetings — previously notifying 
the Lodge the intended time of visiting them. 

CHAPTER VI. 

ON THE QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF CANDIDATES 
FOR FREE MASONRY. 

" Whoever from love of knowledge, interest or cu- 
riosity, desires to be a Mason, is to know that as his 
foundation or great corner-stone, he is to believe firmly 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 131 

in the Eternal God, and to pay that worship which is 
due to Him as the great Architect and Governor of 
the Universe. A Mason is also obliged by his ten- 
ure to observe the moral law as a true Noachida, and 
if he rightly understands the Eoyal Art, he cannot 
tread in the irreligious paths of the unhappy liber- 
tine or stupid atheist; nor in any case act against the 
great inward light of his own conscience. 

"He will likewise shun the gross errors of bigotry 
and superstition, making a due use of his own reason, 
according to that liberty wherewith a Mason is made 
free; for although in ancient times the Christian Ma- 
sons were charged to comply with the Christian usages 
of the country where they sojourned or worked, (be- 
ing found in all nations, and of divers religions, and per- 
suasions,) yet it is now thought most expedient that 
the brethren in general should only be charged to ad- 
here to the essentials of religion, in which all men 
agree, leaving each brother to his own private judg- 
ment as to particular modes and forms. Whence it 
follows that all Masons are to be good men and true — 
men of honor and honesty, by whatever religious 
names or persuasions distinguished, always following 
that golden precept of 'doing unto all men as (upon a 
change of condition) they would that all men should 
do unto them.' 

"No person is capable of becoming a Free Mason, 
unless in addition to the qualities and virtues men- 
tioned above, or at least a disposition and capacity to 
seek and acquire them, he is also free born, of mature 
and discreet age, of good report, of sufficient natural 



132 HARRIS' 

endowments and the senses of a man, with an estate, 
office, trade, occupation, or some visible way of ac- 
quiring an honest livelihood, and of working in his 
Craft as becomes the members of this most ancient 
and honorable Fraternity, who ought not only to earn 
what is sufficient for themselves and families, but like- 
wise something to spare for works of charity, and for 
supporting the ancient grandeur and dignity of the 
Eoyal Craft." 

The candidate being thus shown that a strict en- 
quiry will be made into his character and qualifications, 
justice and duty require that he should also be advised 
to be alike circumspect on his side, and to make en- 
quiries into the character of the Lodge into which he 
desires admission, for there is no true excellence with- 
out its opposite, and true coin without its counterfeit. 

In the first place, then, he has a right before ad- 
mission to desire his friend to show him the Warrant 
or Dispensation by which the Lodge is held, which, 
if genuine, will be found written or printed on parch- 
ment, and signed by the Grand Master, with the seal 
of the Grand Lodge attached; he may also request a 
perusal of the By-laws of the Lodge, and a list of 
members belonging to the same, by all which he will 
be better able to judge whether he would choose to 
associate with them, and submit to be conformable to 
their rules. 

The necessary preliminaries being thus settled by 
the candidate and his friend, he is required to sign 
the following 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 133 



FORM OF PETITION: 



To the Wor. Master, Wardens and Members of Lodge 
No. , of Free and Accepted Masons: 

The subscriber, residing in , of lawful age, 

and by occupation a , begs leave to state that 

unbiased by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary 
motives, he freely and voluntarily offers himself as a 
candidate for the mysteries of Masonry: And that he 
is prompted to solicit this privilege by a favorable 
opinion conceived of the Institution, a desire of 
knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to 
his fellow creatures. Should his petition be granted, 
he will cheerfully conform to all the established 
usages and customs of the Fraternity. 

Signed, A. B. 

Eecommended and vouched for by 

C. D. 

E. F. 

This petition, accompanied with such fee as the By- 
laws of the Lodge prescribe, is presented to the Lodge 
on a stated or regular meeting, and read aloud be- 
tween Lodge hours, and is then deposited with the Sec- 
retary for one month, at which time a ballot is taken 
and a unanimous vote is required for the admission of 
the candidate. 



134 HARRIS' 

CHAPTEE XI. 



LLUSTRATIONS OF MASONRY. 



DEGREE OF ENTERED APPRENTICE. 

The first lecture upon Masonry is divided into three 
sections, which paint Virtue in the most beautiful 
colors, and enforces the whole duty of morality. In 
it we are taught those useful lessons which prepare 
the mind for a regular progress in the principles of 
knowledge and philosophy. They are imprinted on 
the mind by lively symbols and images, to influence 
our conduct in the proper discharge of the duties of 
social life. 

SECTION FIRST. 

The first Section consists of general heads which 
though short and simple, carry much weight with 
them, and qualify us to try and examine the rights of 
others to our privileges while they prove ourselves. 
It also accurately elucidates the mode of initiating a 
candidate into our Order. 

PRAYER USED AT THE INITIATION OF A CANDIDATE. 

Vouchsafe Thine aid Almighty Father of the Uni- 
verse, to this our present Convention, and grant that 
this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote 
his life to Thy service, and become a true and faithful 
brother among us; endue him with a competency of 
Thy Divine Wisdom, that aided with the secrets of 
Free Masonry, he may be enabled to unfold the mys- 
teries of godliness; and grant that we may understand 
and keep all the statutes of the Lord and His Holy 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 135 

Mystery, pure and un violated, to the end of our days. 
So mote it be — Amen! 

The following passage of scripture (Psalm cxxxiii) 
is rehearsed: 

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren 
to dwell together in unity; it is like the precious oint- 
ment upon the head that ran down upon the beard, 
even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of 
his garments: As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew 
that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there 
the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for ever 
more. 

It is the duty of the Master of the Lodge, as one of 
the precautionary measures of initiation, to explain 
to the candidate the nature and design of the Institu- 
tion; and while he informs him that it is founded on 
the purest principles of virtue; that it possesses great 
and invaluable privileges; and that, in order to secure 
those privileges to worthy men, and worthy men alone, 
voluntary pledges of fidelity are required; he will at 
the same time assure him that nothing will be expect- 
ed of him incompatable with his civil, moral or reli- 
gious duties. 

The Lamb skin or white leather apron is an emblem 
of innocence and the badge of a Free Mason, more an- 
cient than the Golden Fleece or Eoman Eagle, more 
honorable than the Star and Garter or any other order 
that could be conferred upon the candidate at that or 
any future period by King, Prince, Potentate or any 
other person except he be a Mason, and which every 
one ought to wear without spot or blemish with credit 
to himself and with honor to the fraternity. 



136 HARRIS 1 

ENTERED APPRENTICE BE0SIE 

Scctf&i First. 




ScUiArV Second 




MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 137 

This section closes with an explanation of the work- 
ing tools of an Entered Apprentice, which are the 
Twenty-four Inch Gnage and Common Gavel. 

The Twenty-four Inch Guage is an instrument used 
by operative Masons to measure and lay out their 
work; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are 
taught to make use of it for the more noble and glo- 
rious purpose of dividing our time. It being divided 
into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of the 
twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to 
divide into three equal parts: whereby are found 
eight hours for the service of God and a distressed 
worthy brother: eight for our usual vocations; and 
eight for refreshment and sleep. 

The Common Gavel is an instrument used by opera- 
tive Masons to break off the corners of rough stones, 
the better to fit them for the builder's use; but we, 
as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use 
of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of di- 
vesting our hearts and consciences of all the vices 
and superfluities of life; thereby fitting our minds as 
living stones, for that spiritual building — that house 
not made with hands: eternal in the heavens. 

SECTION II. 

The second section rationally accounts for the cere- 
mony of initiating a candidate into our ancient in- 
stitution . 

The Badge of a Mason. 

Every candidate, at his initiation, is presented 
with a lamb skin or ivhite leather apron. 

The lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of 
innocence: the lamb-skin is therefore to remind him 
who wears it of that purity of life and conduct, which 
is so essentially necessary to his gaining admission 
into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme 
Architect of the universe presides. 



138 



HARRIS 

SeOmn Third 






MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 
SECTION III. 



139 



The third Section explains the nature and principles 
of our Constitution. Here also we receive instructions 
relative to the form, supports, covering, furniture, orna- 
ments, lights, and jewels of the Lodge; how it should be 
situated, and to whom dedicated. 







140 HARRIS' 

The word Lodge is used to designate a certain num- 
ber of Free and Accepted Masons duly assembled, 
with a Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, and a 
Charter or Warrant from some Grand Lodge empower- 
ing them to work. 

From East to West, and between North and South, 
Free-Masonry extends; and in every clime are Masons 
to be found. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 



141 




142 HARRIS' 

Our institution is said to be supported by Wisdom, 
Strength, and Beauty; because it is necessary that there 
should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, 
and beauty to adorn, all great and important under- 
takings. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 



143 




144 HARRIS' 

Its covering is no less than a clouded canopy, or a 
starry-decked Heaven, where all good Masons hope at 
last to arrive, by the aid of the theological ladder, 
which Jacob, in his vision, saw ascending from earth 
to heaven; the three principal rounds of which are de- 
nominated Faith, Hope, and Charity; and which ad- 
monish us to have faith in God, hope in immortality, 
and charity to all mankind. 

The greatest of these is Charity; for our Faith may 
be lost in sight; Hope ends in fruition; but Charity 
extends beyond the grave, through the boundless 
realms of eternity. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 



145 





146 HARRIS' 

Every well governed Lodge is furnished with the 
Holy Bible, the Square, and the Compasses. 

The Holy Bible is dedicated to God; the Square, to 
the Master; and the Compasses, to the Craft. 

The Bible is dedicated to God, because it is the in- 
estimable gift of God to man; * * * the square to 
the Master, because it is the proper Masonic emblem 
of his office; and the compasses to the Craft, because, 
by a due attention to their use, they are taught to cir- 
cumscribe their desires, and keep their passions within 
due bounds. 

The ornaments of a Lodge are the Mosaic Pave- 
ment, Indented Tessel, and Blazing Star. The Mosaic 
Pavement is a representation of the ground floor of 
King Solomon's Temple ; the Indented Tessel of the 
beautiful border or skirting which surrounded it ; and 
the Blazing Star an emblem of Deity, or an overrul- 
ing Providence. 

The Mosaic Pavement is emblematical of human 
life, chequered with good and evil ; the beautiful bor- 
der which surrounds it, of the manifold blessings 
and comforts which surround us, and which we hope 
to enjoy by a faithful reliance on Divine Providence, 
which is hieroglyphically represented by the Blazing 
Star in the centre. 

The lights are three in number. 








^>^^u^ 








148 HARRIS' 

The Immoveable Jewels are the Square, Level and 
Plumb, worn by the three stationed officers. The 
Square teaches morality, the Level equality, and the 
Plumb rectitude of life. 

The Moveable Jewels are the Rough Ashler, the 
Perfect Ashler and the Trestle Board. 

The Rough Ashler is a stone as taken from the 
the quarry in its rude and natural state ; the Perfect 
Ashler is a stone made ready by the hands of the 
Apprentice, to be adjusted by the working tools of 
the Fellow Craft; and the Trestle Board is for the 
Master Workman to draw his designs upon. 

By the Rough Ashler we are reminded of our rude 
and imperfect state by nature ; by the Perfect Ashler, 
of that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive 
by a virtuous educatioD, our own endeavors, and the 
blessing of God; and by the Trestle Board, we are 
reminded that as the operative workman erects his 
temporal buildings agreeably to the rules and designs 
laid down by the master on his Trestle Board, so should 
we, both operative and speculative, endeavor to erect 
our spiritual building agreeably to the rules and de- 
signs laid down by the Supreme Architect of the 
Universe, in the Great Book of Nature and of Revela- 
tion, which is our Spiritual, Moral and Masonic 
Trestle Board. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 



149 





B E 




150 HARRIS' 

The situation of our lodges is sufficiently familiar, 
and the reasons therefor. 

Lodges were anciently dedicated to King Solomon, 
who was our first Most Excellent Grand Master; but 
Masons professing Christianity, dedicate theirs to St. 
John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, who 
were two eminent Christian patrons in Masonry; and 
since their time, there is represented in every regular 
and well governed Lodge, a certain Point within a 
Circle — the point representing an individual brother; 
the circle, the boundary line of his duty to God and 
man, beyond which he is never to suffer his passions, 
prejudices or interests to betray him, on any occasion. 
The circle is embordered by two perpendicular 
parallel lines, representing those Saints, who were 
perfect parallels in Christianity, as well as in Masonry ; 
and upon the vertex rests the Book of Constitutions, 
which point out the whole duty of a Mason. In go- 
ing round this Circle, we necessarily touch upon these 
two lines, as well as upon the Book of Constitutions ; 
and while a Mason keeps himself thus circumscribed, 
it is impossible he should err materially. 

THE TENETS 

Of our profession, and by the due exercise of which 
every worthy Free Mason may be at once distin- 
guished, are three in number: Brotherly Love, Be- 
lief and Truth. 

Brotherly Love. — By the exercise of Brother Love, 
we are taught to regard the whole human species as 
one common family, the high, the low, the rich and 
poor, who, as created by one Almighty Parent, and 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 151 

inhabitants of the same planet, are sent into the 
world to aid, support and protect each other. On 
this principle Free Masonry unites men of every 
country, sect and opinion, and conciliates true friend- 
ship among" those who might otherwise remain at a 
perpetual distance. 

Belief. — To relieve the distressed is a duty incum- 
bent on all men, but particularly on Masons, who are 
linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere 
affections : to soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with 
their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, 
and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the 
grand aim we have in view. On this basis we form 
our friendships and establish our connections. 

Truth is a divine attribute, and a foundation of every 
virtue; to be good men and true, is the first lesson wo 
are taught in Masonry. On this theme we contemplate, 
and by its dictates endeavor to regulate our conduct ; 
hence, while influenced by this principle, hypocrisy 
and deceit are unknown among us ; sincerity and plain 
dealing characterize us, and the heart and tongue join 
in promoting each others welfare, and rejoicing in 
each others prosperity. 

THE CARDINAL VIRTUES. 

There are four Perfect Points and essential Cardi- 
nal Virtues necessary to complete the lesson of in- 
structions to every Initiate into the Philosophy of 
Masonry, illustrated by Temperance, Fortitude, Pru- 
dence and Justice. 

Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections 
and passions, which renders the body tame and gov- 



152 HARRIS' 

ernable and frees the mind from the allurements of 
vice. This virtue should be the constant practice of 
every Mason, as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, 
or contracting any vicious or licentious habit, the in- 
dulgence of which might lead him to disclose some of 
those valuable secrets which he has promised to con- 
ceal and never reveal, and which would subject him to 
the contempt and detestation of all good Masons, * . * * 

Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the 
mind whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, 
peril or danger, when prudentially deemed expedient 
This virtue is equally distant from cowardice and 
rashness, and like the former, should be deeply im- 
pressed upon the mind of every Mason, as a safeguard 
or security against any illegal attack that may be made 
by force or otherwise to extort from him any of those 
valuable secrets with which he has been so solemnly 
entrusted, and which were emblematically represented 
upon his first admission into the Lodge, * * * 

Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives agreeably 
to the dictates of reason, and is that habit by which 
we wisely judge, and prudentially determine on all 
things relative to our present as well as to our future 
happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar char- 
acteristic of every Mason, not only for the govern- 
ment of his conduct while in the Lodge, but also when 
abroad in the world. It should be particularly at- 
tended to in all strange and mixed companies, never 
to let fall the least expression or hint whereby the se- 
crets of Free Masonry might be unlawfully obtained, 
# # ■* 

Justice is that standard, or boundary of right, which 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK, 153 

enables us to render to every man his just due with- 
out distinction. This virtue is not only consistent 
with Divine and human laws, but is the very cement 
and support of all civil society ; and as justice in a 
great measure constitutes the really good man, so 
should it be the invariable practice of every Mason, 
never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof, 

•5f * # 

Thus the lecture of the First or Entered Appren- 
tice's degree is closed with a few appropriate remarks 
explanatory of the freedom, fervency and zeal neces- 
sary to be exercised during the probation of his ser- 
vice. 

Due veneration is also paid to our ancient patrons 
in Masonry ; and the Initiatory ceremonies are con- 
cluded with the following 

charge: 

Brother, as you are now introduced into the first 
principles of Masonry, I congratulate you on being 
accepted into this ancient and honorable Order ; an- 
cient, as having subsisted from time immemorial; 
and honourable, as tending, in every particular, so 
to render all men, who will be conformable to its pre- 
cepts. No institution was ever raised on a better 
principle, or more solid foundation ; nor were ever 
more excellent rules and useful maxims laid down, 
than are inculcated in the several Masonic lectures. 
The greatest and best of men, in all ages, have been 
encouragers and promoters of the art ; and have never 
deemed it derogatory to their dignity, to level them- 
selves with the fraternity, extend their privileges and 



154 HARRIS' 

patronize their assemblies. There are three great 
duties, which, as a Mason, you are charged to incul- 
cate — to God, your neighbor, and yourself. To God, 
in never mentioning his name, but with that reveren- 
tial awe which is due from a creature to his Creator ; 
to implore his aid in all your laudable undertakings, 
and to esteem him as the chief good: — to your neigh- 
bour, in acting upon the square, and doing unto him 
as you wish he should do unto you: — and to yourself, 
in avoiding all irregularity and intemperance, which 
may impair your faculties, or debase the dignity of 
your profession. A zealous attachment to these du- 
ties, will insure public and private esteem. 

In the State, you are to be a quiet and peaceful 
subject, true to your government, and just to your 
country ; you are not to countenance disloyalty or 
rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority, and 
conform with cheerfulness to the government of the 
country in which you live. In your outward de- 
meanor, be particularly careful to avoid censure or 
reproach. 

Although your frequent appearance at our regular 
meetings is earnestly solicited, yet it is not meant 
that Masonry should interfere with your necessary 
vocations ; for these are on no account to be neglected; 
neither are you to suffer your zeal for the institution 
to lead you into argument with those who, through 
ignorance, may ridicule it. At your leisure hours, 
that you may improve in Masonic knowledge, you 
are to converse with well-informed brethren, who 
will be always as ready to give, as you will be ready 
receive, instruction. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 155 

Finally, keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries 
of the Order ; as these are to distinguish you from the 
rest of the community, and mark your consequence 
among Masons. If, in the circle of your acquaintance, 
you find a person desirous of being initiated into 
Masonry, be particularly attentive not to recommend 
him unless you are convinced he will conform to our 
rules ; that the honour, glory, and reputation of the 
institution, may be firmly established, and the world 
at large convinced of its good effects. 

FELLOW CRAFT'S DEGREE. 

Masonry is a science which does not attempt to give 
everything that can be given to its votaries at once. 
But it is divided into different classes or degrees that 
its professors may advance more regularly in the 
knowledge of its mysteries; and thereby recognize 
and appreciate it as a progressive science. 

The duties of morality are enforced by the proper 
understanding of the teachings of the first degree, and 
upon the memory of those who have given heed to 
these teachings, there are imprinted the noblest prin- 
ciples that can adorn the human mind. 

Therefore the first degree is the best introduction 
to the second ; which not only extends the same plan, 
but opens up to the Entered Apprentice a more diffu- 
sive system of useful knowledge. 

This degree is divided into two sections, that it may 
be better understood by those who seek to unravel its 
mysteries. 



156 



SECTION I. 

This section recapitulates the ceremony of initiation 
into this class ; and instructs the diligent Craftsman 
how to proceed in the proper arrangement of the cere- 
monies used on the occasion. It should therefore be 
well understood by every officer and member of the 
Order. 

The following passage of Scripture is introduced 
and rehearsed : 

Amos vii : 7, 8. 

"Thus He shewed me ; and, behold, the Lord stood 
upon a wall made by a plumb-line, with a plumb-line 
in His hand. And the Lord said unto me, Amos, 
what seest thou? And I said, a plumb-line. Then 
said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumb-line in the 
midst of my people Israel : I will not again pass by 
them any more." 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 



157 






The working tools of a fellow-craft are here intro- 
duced and explained ; which are the plumb, square 
and level. 

The plumb is an instrument made use of by opera- 
tive masons, to raise perpendiculars ; the square to 
square the work ; the level to lay horizontals ; but 



158 HARRIS' 

we as free and accepted Masons are taught to make 
use of them for more noble and glorious purposes : the 
'plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several 
stations before God and man, squaring our actions by 
the square of virtue, and remembering that we are 
traveling to "that undiscovered country from whose 
bourne no traveler returns," and by the level also the 
King is reminded that although he occupies a throne, 
yet the blood in his veins is derived from the same 
Almighty Parent, and is no better than that of his 
humblest subject. 

SECTION II. 

The second section of this degree refers to the 
origin of the institution ; and views Masonry under 
two denominations ; operative and speculative. The 
period stipulated for rewarding merit, is here fixed ; 
and the inimitable moral to which that circumstance 
alludes, is explained. The celestial and terrestrial 
globes are considered ; and here the accomplished 
Mason may display his talents to advantage, in eluci- 
dating the Orders of Architecture, the Senses of human 
nature, and the liberal Arts and Sciences, which are 
severally classed in a regular arrangement. 

Masonry is considered under two denominations ; 
operative and speculative. 

Operative Masonry. 

By operative Masonry, we allude to a proper ap- 
plication of the useful rules of architecture, whence a 
structure will derive figure, strength, and beauty, and 
whence will result a due proportion and a just corre- 
spondence in all its parts. It furnishes us with 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 159 

dwellings, and convenient shelters from the vicissi- 
tudes and the inclemencies of seasons; and while it 
displays the effects of human wisdom, as well in the 
choice, as in the arrangement, of the sundry materials 
of which an edifice is composed, it demonstrates that 
a fund of science and industry is implanted in man, 
for the best, most salutary, and beneficient purposes. 

Speculative Masonry. 

By speculative Masonry, we learn to subdue the 
passions, act upon the square, keep a tongue of good 
report, maintain secrecy, and practice charity. It is 
so far interwoven with religion, as to lay us under 
obligation to pay that rational homage to the Deity, 
which at once constitutes our duty and our happiness. 
It leads the contemplative to view, with reverence and 
admiration, the glorious works of creation, and in- 
spires him with the most exalted ideas of the perfec- 
tions of his Divine Creator. 

In six days, God created the heavens and the earth, 
and rested upon the seventh day ; — the seventh, there- 
fore, our ancient brethren consecrated as a day of rest 
from their labours ; thereby enjoying frequent oppor- 
tunities to contemplate the glorious works of the crea- 
tion, and to adore their Great Creator. 

Peace, Unity and Plenty, are here introduced and 
explained. 



160 



HARRIS' 









i ::'!'! 



li.: ■■!! 






MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 



161 



Next the doctrine of the Spheres in the science of 
Astronomy is introduced and considered. 



irlMlr'i'.lill 'IIIIIIIIV ll'lr. ij -iJf 



lipiliilftii 




As Architecture comes now under consideration, a 
brief dsscription of it may not be improper. 



162 HARRIS' 

ORDER IN ARCHITECTURE. 

"By Order in Architecture is meant a system of all 
the members, proportions and ornaments of columns 
and pilasters ; or it is a regular arrangement of the 
projecting parts of a building, which, united with 
those of a column, form a beautiful, perfect and com- 
plete whole." 

ITS ANTIQUITY. 

"From the first foundation of society, Order in 
Architecture may be traced. When the rigor of sea- 
sons obliged men to contrive shelters from the inclem- 
ency of the weather, we learn that they first planted 
trees on end, and then laid others across to support 
its covering. The bands which connected those trees 
at top and bottom are said to have given rise to the 
idea of base and the capital of pillars ; and from this 
simple hint originally proceeded the more improved 
art of Architecture. 

The Five Orders of Architecture are thus classed : 
Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite." 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 



163 




164 HARRIS' 

THE INVENTION OF ORDER IN ARCHITECTURE. 

The ancient and original Orders of Architecture re- 
vered by Masons, are no more than three — the Doric, 
Ionic and Corinthian, which were invented by the Gre- 
cians, To these the Romans have added two — the 
Tuscan, which they made plainer than the Doric, and 
the Composite, which is nothing more than the Cor- 
inthian enriched with the Ionic volute. To the Greeks, 
therefore, and not to the Romans, are we indebted for 
what is great, judicious and beautiful in Architecture. 

The Five Senses of Human Nature, which are Hear- 
ing, Seeing, Feeling, Smelling and Tasting, come next 
in order — the first three of which are most revered by 
Masons, for reasons which must be apparent to every 
enlightened Craftsman. 

Next in order come the Seven Liberal Arts and Sci- 
ences, to wit : Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, 
Geometry, Music and Astronomy. Passing over most 
of these, each of which affords a large field for the 
accomplished Scholar and Mason to dilate upon, we 
are arrested by the fifth science, Geometry, which 
treats of the powers and properties of Magnitudes in 
general, where length, breadth and thickness are con- 
cerned, from a point to a line, from a line to a super- 
fice, and from a superfice to a solid. 

THE ADVANTAGES OF GEOMETRY. 

By this Science, the architect is enabled to construct 
his plans and execute his designs, the General to ar- 
range his soldiers and mark out his lines for encamp- 
ment, the Geographer to give us the dimensions of 
the earth and all things therein contained, to delineate 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 165 

he extent of seas, and specify the divisions of empires, 
kingdoms and provinces. By it also the Astronomer 
is enabled to make his observations, and to fix the 
duration of times and seasons, years and cycles. In 
fine, Geometry is the foundation of Architecture and 
the root of the Mathematics. 

THE MORAL ADVANTAGES OF GEOMETRY. 

Geometry, the first and noblest of Sciences, is the 
basis on which the Superstructure of Masonry is 
erected. By Geometry we may curiously trace Na- 
ture through her various windings, to her most con- 
cealed recesses ; by it we may discover the power, the 
wisdom, and the goodness of the Grand Artificer of 
the Universe, and view with delight the proportions 
which connect this vast machine, 

By it we may discover how the planets move in 
their different orbits, and demonstrate their various 
revolutions; by it we account for the return of seasons, 
and the variety of scenes which each season displays 
to the discerning eye. Numberless worlds are around 
us, all framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll 
through the vast expanse, and are all conducted by 
the same unerring law of Nature. 

A survey of Nature, and the observation of her 
beautiful proportions, first determined man to imitate 
the Divine Plan, and study symmetry and order ; this 
gave rise to societies, and birth to every useful art ; 
the Architect began to design, and the plans which he 
laid down, being improved by experience and time, 
have produced works which are the admiration of 
every age. 



166 HARRIS* 

The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance, 
and the devastations of war, have laid waste and de- 
stroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity on 
which the utmost exertions of human genius have 
been employed. Even the Temple of Solomon, so 
spacious and magnificent, and constructed by so many 
celebrated Artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages 
of barbarous force. Free Masonry, notwithstanding, 
has still survived. The attentive ear receives, the 
sound from the instructive tongue, and the mysteries 
of Free Masonry are safely lodged in the repository 
of faithful breasts. Tools and implements of Archi- 
tecture, and symbolic emblems most expressive, are 
selected by the Fraternity to imprint on the mind wise 
and serious truths ; and thus through a succession of 
ages are transmitted unimpaired the most excellent 
tenets of our Institution. 

Music 

Teaches the art of forming concords, so as to com- 
pose delightful harmony, by a mathematical and pro- 
portional arrangement of acute, grave, and mixed 
sounds. This art, by a series of experiments, is re- 
duced to a demonstrative science, with respect to 
tones and the intervals of sound. It inquires into the 
nature of concords and discords, and enables us to find 
out the proportion between them by numbers. 

Astronomy 

Is that divine art, by which we are taught to read 
the wisdom, strength and beauty of the Almighty 
Creator, in those sacred pages, the celestial hemis- 
phere. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 167 

Assisted by astronomy, we can observe the magni- 
tudes, and calculate the periods and eclipses of the 
heavenly bodies. By it, we learn the use of globes, 
the system of the world, and the preliminary law of 
nature. While we are employed in the study of this 
science, we must perceive unparalleled instances of 
wisdom and goodness ; and through the whole crea- 
tion, trace the Glorious Author by His works. 

A Charge at Passing to the Degree of Fellow Craft. 

Brother, being passed to the second degree of 
masonry, we congratulate you on your preferment. 
The internal, and not the external qualifications of a 
man, are what masonry regards. As you increase in 
knowledge, you will improve in social intercourse. 

It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which, 
as a mason, you are bound to discharge, or to enlarge 
on the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your 
own experience must have established their value. 
Our laws and regulations you are strenuously to sup- 
port ; and be always ready to assist in seeing them 
duly executed. You are not to palliate, or aggravate 
the offences of your brethren ; but, in the decision of 
every trespass against our rules, you are to judge 
with candour, admonish with friendship, and repre- 
hend with justice. 

The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch 
of education, which tends so effectually to polish and 
adorn the mind, is earnestly recommended to your 
consideration; especially the science of geometry, 
which is established as the basis of our art. Geome- 
try, or masonry, originally synonymous terms, being 



168 Harris' 

of a divine and moral nature, is enriched with the 
most useful knowledge : while it proves the wonder- 
ful properties of nature, it demonstrates the more im- 
portant truths of morality. 

Your past behaviour and regular deportment have 
merited the honour which we have now conferred ; 
and in your new character, it is expected that you 
will conform to the principles of the Order, by steadily 
persevering in the practice of every commendable 
virtue. Such is the nature of your engagements as 
a fellow craft ; and to these duties you are bound by 
the most sacred ties. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 



169 




170 HARRIS* 

MASTER MASON'S DEGREE: 

SECTION I. 

The ceremony of raising to the sublime degree of 
Master Mason, is particularly specified, and other 
useful instructions are given in this branch of the 
lecture. Dr. Dove says in his Text Book "To a 
complete knowledge of the whole lecture, few indeed, 
ever arrive; but it is an infallible truth that he who 
acquires by merit the mark of pre-eminence which 
this degree confers, receives a reward which amply 
compensates for all his past diligence and assiduity." 

The following passage of scripture is introduced 
during the ceremonies : 

eccl. xii, 1 — 7. 

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy 
youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years 
draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in 
them ; while the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the 
stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after 
the rain ; in the day when the keepers of the house 
shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow them- 
selves, and the grinders cease because they are few, 
and those that look out of the windows be darkened ; 
and the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the 
sound of the grinding is low ; and he shall rise up at 
the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music 
shall be brought low. Also, when they shall be 
afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the 
way, and the almond-tree shall flourish, and the grass- 
hopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail : be- 
cause man goeth to his long home, and the mourners 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 



171 



go about the streets: or ever the silver cord be 
loosed, or the golden bowl be broken at the fountain, 
or the wheel broken at the cistern. Then shall the 
dust return to the earth as it was ; and the spirit shall 
return unto God who gave it." 

MASTER MASONS DEGREE 
Section- First* 




Section,- Second 




172 HARRIS' 

The working tools of a Master Mason are all the 
implements of Masonry indiscriminately, but more 
especially the trowel. 

The trowel is an instrument made use of by 
operative Masons, to spread the cement which unites 
a building into one common mass ; but we, as Free 
and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it 
for the more noble and glorious purpose of spread- 
ing the cement of brotherly love and affection ; that 
cement which unites us into one sacred band, or 
society of friends and brothers, among whom no con- 
tention should ever exist, but that noble contention 
or rather emulation, of who can best work, or best 
agree. 

SECTION II. 

This section recites the historical traditions of the 
Order, and presents to view a finished picture, of the 
utmost consequence to the fraternity. It exemplifies 
an instance of virtue, fortitude, and integrity, un- 
paralleled in the history of man. 

PRAYER AT RAISING A BROTHER TO THE SUBLIME 
DEGREE OF MASTER MASON. 

Thou, O God ! knowest our downsitting and our upris- 
ing, and understandest our thoughts afar off. Shield 
and defend us from the evil intentions of our enemies, 
and support us under the trials and afflictions we are 
destined to endure while traveling through this vale 
of tears. Man that is born of a woman is of few days 
and full of trouble. He cometh forth as a flower and 
is cut down, he fleeth as a shadow and continueth not. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 173 

Seeing his days are determined, the number of his 
months is with Thee, Thou hast appointed his bounds 
that he cannot pass, turn from him that he may rest, 
till he shall accomplish as a hireling his day. For 
there is hope of a tree if it be cut down, that it will 
sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will 
not cease. But man dieth and wasteth away ; yea, 
man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? As the 
waters fail from the sea and the flood decay eth, and 
drieth up, so man lieth down, and riseth not up again 
till the heavens shall be no more. Yet, O Lord, have 
compassion on the children of Thy creation, adminis- 
ter them comfort in the time of trouble, and save them 
with an everlasting salvation. So mote it be — Amen. 



174 



HARRIS 




SECTION III. 

The third section illustrates certain heiroglyphical 
emblems, and inculcates many useful lessons to extend 
knowledge and promote virtue. In this branch of the 
lecture many particulars are noticed relative to 

KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. 

This magnificent structure was founded in the 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 175 

fourth year of the reign of Solomon, on the second day 
of the month Zif, being the second month of the sacred 
year. It was located on Mount Moriah, near the 
place where Abraham was about to offer up his son 
Isaac, and where David met and appeased the de- 
stroying angel. Josephus informs us, that although 
more than seven years were occupied in its building, 
j T et, during the whole period, it did not rain in the 
day time, that the workmen might not be obptructed 
in their labor. From sacred history we also learn, 
that there was not the sound of axe, hammer, or any 
tool of iron, heard in the house while it was building. 



176 



HAERIS' 




MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 177 

This famous fabric was supported by fourteen hun- 
dred and fifty-three columns, and two thousand nine 
hundred and six pilasters; ail hewn from the finest 
Parian marble. There were employed in its building, 
three Grand Masters; three thousand three hundred 
overseers of the work; eighty thousand Fellow Crafts, 
or hewers on the mountains and in the quarries; and 
seventy thousand Entered Apprentices, or bearers of 
burdens. 



178 



HARRIS 








MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 179 

The Three Steps. 

Usually delineated upon the Master's carpet, are 
emblematical of the three principal stages of human 
life, viz: youth, manhood and age. In youth, as entered 
apprentices, we ought industriously to occupy our 
minds in the attainment of useful knowledge; in man- 
hood, as fellow Crafts, we should apply our knowledge 
to the discharge of our respective duties to God, our 
neighbors, and ourselves; that so, in age, as Master 
Masons, we may enjoy the happy reflections conse- 
quent on a well spent life, and die in the hope of a 
glorious immortality. 

The Pot of Incense 
Is an emblem of a pure heart, which is always an 
acceptable sacrifice to the Deity; and, as this glows 
with fervent heat, so should our hearts continually 
glow with gratitude to the great beneficent Author of 
our existence, for the manifold blessings and comforts 
we enjoy. 

The Bee Sive 

Is an emblem of industry, and recommends the 
practice of that virtue to all created beings, from the 
highest seraph in heaven, to the lowest reptile of the 
dust. It teaches us that as we came into the world ra- 
tional and intelligent beings, so we should ever be in- 
dustrious ones ; never sitting down contented while 
our fellow creatures around us are in want, when it is 
in our power to relieve them, without inconvenience 
to ourselves. 

When we take a survey of nature, we view man, in 



180 HARRIS' 

his infancy, more helpless and indigent than the brutal 
creation; he lies languishing for days, months and 
years, totally incapable of providing sustenance for 
himself, of guarding against the attack of the wild 
beasts of the field, or sheltering himself from the in- 
clemencies of the weather. It might have pleased the 
Great Creator of heaven and earth, to have made man 
independent of all other beings; but, as dependence 
is one of the strongest bonds of society, mankind were 
made dependent on each other for protection and se- 
curity, as they thereby enjoy better opportunities of 
fulfilling the duties of reciprocal love and friendship. 
Thus was man formed for social and active life, the 
noblest part of the work of God; and he that will so 
demean himself, as not to be endeavouring to add to 
the common stock of knowledge and understanding, 
may be deemed a drone in the hive of nature, a useless 
member of society, and unworthy of our protection 
as masons. 

The Book of Constitutions Guarded by the Tyler's Sword 

Eeminds us that we should be ever watchful and 
guarded in our words and actions particularly when 
before the enemies of masonry; ever bearing in re- 
memberance those truly masonic virtues silence and 
circumspection. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 



181 





The Sword, Pointing to a Waked Heart; 
Demonstates that justice will sooner or later over- 
take us; and although our thoughts, words and actions 
may be hidden from the eyes of men, yet that 



182 



HARRIS 





All-Seeing Eye, 
whom the Sun, Moon and Stars obey, and under 
whose watchful care even Comets perform their stu- 
pendous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of 
the human Heart, and will reward us according to 
our merits. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 



183 




184 HARRIS' 



The Anchor and Ark 



Are emblems of a well grounded hope, and a well- 
spent life. They are emblematical of that divine Ark, 
which safely wafts us over this tempestuous sea of 
troubles, and that Anchor which shall safely moor us 
in a peaceful harbor, where the wicked cease from 
troubling, and the weary shall find rest. 

The Forty-Seventh Problem of Euclid. 

This was an invention of our ancient friend and 
brother, the great Pythagoras, who in his travels 
through Asia, Africa and Europe, was initiated into 
several orders of priesthood, and raised to the su- 
blime degree of a Master Mason. This wise philoso- 
pher enriched his mind abundantly in a general 
knowledge of things, and more especially in geometry 
or masonry. On this subject he drew out many pro- 
blems and theorems; and among the most distin- 
guished, he erected this, which in the joy of his heart, 
he called Eureka, in the Grecian language, signifying 
I have found it; and upon the discovery of which, he 
is said to have sacrificed a hecatomb. It teaches ma- 
sons to be general lovers of the arts and sciences. 

The Hour -Glass 

Is an emblem of human life. Behold! how swiftly 
the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing 
to a close! We cannot, without astonishment, behold 
the little particles which are contained in this machine; 
— how they pass away almost imperceptibly!, and yet, 
to our surprise, in the short space of an hour, they 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 185 

are all exhausted. Thus wastes man! Today, he puts 
forth the tender leaves of hope; to-morrow, blossoms 
and bears his blushing honors thick upon him; the 
next day comes a frost, which nips the shoot; and 
when he thinks his greatness is still aspiring, he falls, 
like autumn leaves to enrich our mother earth. 

The Scythe 

Is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread 
of life, and launches us into eternity. Behold! what 
havock the scythe of time makes among the human 
race! If by chance we should escape the numerous 
evils incident to childhood and youth, and with health 
and vigor arise to the years of manhood; yet, withal, 
we must soon be cut down by the all-devouring scythe 
of time, and be gathered into the land where our fa- 
thers have gone before us. 



186 



HARRIS' 






MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 187 

Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon 
the solemn thought of death, which, without revela- 
tion, is dark and gloomy; but the Christian is sud- 
denly revived by the evergreen and ever living sprig of 
Faith in the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah ; 
which strengthens him, with confidence and compos- 
ure, to look forward to a blessed immortality: and 
doubts not, but in the glorious morn of the resurrec- 
tion, his body will rise, and become as incorruptible 
as his soul. 

Then let us imitate the Christian in his virtuous 
and amiable conduct; in his unfeigned piety to God; 
in his inflexible fidelity to his trust; that we may wel- 
come the grim tyrant Death, and receive him as a 
kind messenger sent from our Supreme Grand Master, 
to translate us from this imperfect to that all perfect, 
glorious and celestial Lodge above; where, on His 
rainbow royal diadem throne, the Supreme Architect 
of the Universe presides. 

Charge at Raising to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. 

Brother, Your zeal for the institution of masonry; 
the progress you have made in the mystery; and your 
conformity to our regulations, have pointed you 
out as a proper object of our favour and esteem. You 
are now bound by duty, honour and gratitude, to be 
faithful to your trust; to support the dignity of your 
character on every occasion ; and to enforce by precept 
and example, obedience to the tenets of the Order. 

In the character of a Master Mason, you are au- 
thorized to correct the errors and irregularities of your 



188 HARRIS' 

uninformed brethren, and to guard them against a 
breach of fidelity. To preserve the reputation of the 
fraternity unsullied, must be your constant care; and 
for this purpose, it is your province to recommend to 
your inferiors, obedience and submission; to your 
equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, 
kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence 
you are always to inculcate; and, by the regularity of 
your own behaviour, afford the best example for the 
conduct of others less informed. The ancient land- 
marks of the Order, entusted to your eare, you are 
carefully to preserve; and never suffer them to be in- 
fringed, or countenance a deviation from the estab- 
lished usages and customs of the fraternity. 

Your virtue, honour and reputation, are concerned 
in supporting with dignity the character you now 
bear. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve 
from your duty, violate your vows, or betray your 
trust; but be true and faithful, and imitate the ex- 
ample of that celebrated artist, whom you this even- 
ing represent. Thus you will render yourself deserv- 
ing of the honour which we have conferred, and merit 
the confidence that we have reposed. 



METHODICAL DIGEST 



OF 



THE LAWS 



OF 



THE GRAND LODGE OF .VIRGINIA, 



Methodical Digest. 



CHAPTER I. 



OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION 

INTO THE SOCIETY OF ANCIENT FREE AND 

ACCEPTED MASONS. 

1st. It is essentially necessary that every applicant 
for admission into the Institution should exercise a 
firm belief in the existence of God, paying him that 
worship which is due to the Great Architect and Gov- 
ernor of the Universe. 

2nd. And while on one hand he shuns the darkness 
of Atheism, he will with equal solicitude avoid the 
gloomy errors of bigotry and superstition, making a 
free and independent use of his understanding, the 
most invaluable attribute of intelligent beings. 

3rd. At the same time that he embraces with a firm 
hold these fundamental principles of universal or 
natural religion, it will be no objection that he sub- 
join such other principles of faith, or forms of wor- 
ship as his own miod may deliberately approve. 

4th. Whoever would be a Free Mason, is further to 
know, that in that character, his civil and social obli- 
gations will in no degree be relaxed, but acquire ad- 
ditional force, He is to be a lover of quiet, is to be 



192 HAKRIS' 

peaceable, and obedient to the civil powers, so far as 
they do not infringe the inalienable rights of reason 
and of religion ; and to consider the welfare of his 
country an object of his peculiar care ; i e. He must 
be a loyal subject to his government. 

5th. In regard to himself, a candidate for Masonry 
should know and practice all the private virtues, avoid- 
ing every species of intemperance and excess, which 
unfit him for the enjoyment of rational pleasure, and 
degrade him in the estimation of society. He ought 
to pursue the duties of his profession or calling with 
diligence and assiduity, devoting his hours of leisure 
to improvement in those branches of knowledge, by 
which he may be rendered useful in the various rela- 
tions of life. And for the more successful attainment 
of these valuable objects, he should cultivate with 
unswerving diligence the virtues of patience, self-de- 
nial, forbearance, and all others which afford a control 
over the human passions, and enable him to dis- 
charge all his duties, whether to his family or to the 
world, with affection, dignity and prudence. 

6th. He should have a disposition, and possess the 
ability of preserving with inviolable fidelity, all secrets 
which may be confided to him. On this point a can- 
didate ought to examine his own character with 
scrupulous precision ; since no defect would more ex- 
pose him to ridicule and contempt, or more completely 
exclude him from the happy results of Masonic infor- 
mation, than a disposition to unfold what ought to be 
a sacred deposit in the bosom of the faithful Craftsman. 

7th. In addition to these religious and moral quali- 
fications, it is moreover necessary that every candi- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 193 

date for Masonry should be a free man, of the age of 
twenty-one years or upwards, of good reputation; of 
sufficient natural and intellectual endowments, with 
an estate, office, trade, occupation, or some other ob- 
vious source of honest subsistence, from which he 
may also be enabled to spare something for works of 
charity, and for maintaining the ancient dignity and 
utility of the Masonic Institution. He must also be 
free from such corporeal deformity as would render 
him incapable of complying strictly with every re- 
quirement of the Ritual of the Degrees ; or prevent 
him from procuring a livelihood. 

CHAPTER II. 

OF A LODGE AND ITS MEETINGS. 

1st. A Lodge is a place in which Masons meet to 
work. An assembly or organized body of Masons is 
also called a Lodge — just as the word Church is ex- 
pressive both of the congregation of worshipers, and 
of the building wherein they assemble to worship. 

2d. A Lodge must consist of one Master, a Senior 
and a Junior Warden,, a Treasurer, a Secretary, a 
Senior and a Junior Deacon, two Stewards and a 
Tiler, and as many members as the members shall 
from time to time think proper. 

3d. Thus constituted, a Lodge ought to assemble 
for work at least once in every calendar month, and 
must hold all their Sessions in the Third Degree of 
Masonry, except for the purpose of Lecturing and 
Working in the First and Second Degrees. 

4th. For the preservation of secresy, and to guard 



194 HARRIS' 

the Lodge from interruption or surprise, while en- 
gaged in serious and solemn labors, a well skilled Mas- 
ter Mason shall be appointed and paid for tiling the 
Lodge door during its meeting. 

5th. Every Lodge shall practice the Accepted 
Ritual, and shall keep books containing its By-Laws, 
the names of its members, and a list of all the lodges 
under this Grand Lodge, with their usual times and 
places of meeting, and such other necessary parts of 
their transactions, as may with propriety be commit- 
ted to writing. 

6th. It is inexpedient and improper for any Ma- 
sonic Lodge to be incorporated by law. This question 
is thus stated ; because it is generally considered to 
be correct as here recited; but our Grand Lodge has 
not made it a matter upon which it has legislated. 

CHAPTER III. 

OF INITIATION, ADVANCEMENT, ADMISSION TO 
MEMBERSHIP, AND VISITING, 

1st. Every person desirous of being made a Free 
Mason in any Lodge, shall be proposed by a member 
thereof, who shall give an account of the candidate's 
name, age, social relation, profession, or calling, place 
of residence, and the voucher shall be able to assure 
his brothers that the applicant is possessed of all re- 
quisite qualifications mentioned in the first chapter. 
And it is generally required that such proposal be 
seconded by another member who possesses some 
knowledge of the candidate, It shall also be made 
during Lodge hours, at a Stated Communication 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 195 

of the Lodge, and at least one month before initia- 
tion, except the initiation be by Dispensation from 
the Grand Master, in order that the brethren may 
have sufficient time and opportunity to make a strict 
enquiry into his circumstances, principles, character 
and connections. The ballot must be unanimous for 
the admission of all candidates. 

2d. The brother who proposes a candidate, shall at 
the same time deposit such a sum of money for him 
as the By-Laws of the lodge may require; which is 
forfeited to the Lodge if the candidate should not at- 
tend according to his proposal; but is to be returned 
to him if he should not be approved and accepted ; 
and in case he is received, he is to pay, in addition to 
his deposit, such further sum as is prescribed by the 
By-Laws of the Lodge; and the fee for each degree 
must be paid up in full before the degree shall be 
conferred. 

3d. No candidate for initiation who shall be re- 
jected, in any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this 
Grand Lodge, shall be eligible to a second recom- 
mendation in that or any other such Lodge, until the 
expiration of twelve months. 

4th. It shall be the duty of every Master of a Lodge 
rejecting a candidate, to cause his Secretary to notify 
the same immediately to the Grand Secretary. 

5th. No Lodge shall make more than five new 
brethren at one time, unless by Dispensation from the 
Grand Master, nor shall they initiate, pass and raise 
a brother for a less sum than fifteen dollars, (where a 
fee is required,) for the three degrees; or five dollars 
for the First, five for the Second, and five for the 



196 HARRIS' 

Third; nor confer any portion of either degree, ex- 
cept the Explanatory Lectures, on more than one 
candidate at a time. 

6th. In all cases of advancement from one degree to 
another, it shall be necessary for the brother wishing 
to be advanced, to undergo an examination in open 
Lodge, in the degree from which he proposes to be 
advanced; after which his eligibility to such advance- 
ment, predicated upon his Masonic proficiency, shall 
be decided by ballot, and the suffrages of the ma- 
jority present shall determine on the subject; but it is 
necessary for the ballot to be taken and to be clear 
in the degree to which the brother prays to be ad- 
vanced, as a test of his moral fitness, before he can be 
received into the proposed degree. 

7th. No Lodge shall confer a degree on any brother 
who is not of their household ; for every Lodge ought 
to be competent to its own business, and without 
doubt, most capable of judging of the qualifications 
of its own members ; nor shall any Lodge under this 
Grand Jurisdiction, initiate, pass or raise any person, 
who is a resident of any state or territory in which 
there is a Grand Lodge, nor initiate a candidate liv- 
ing within the proper Masonic Jurisdiction of another 
Lodge: that is, whose residence is nearest such other 
Lodge, without its consent : provided, that where two 
or more Lodges are situated in the same city or town 
their jurisdiction shall be concurrent. 

8th. All applications of brethren for membership 
in any Subordinate Lodge, must be made one month 
before a decision can be given ; and the balloting 
thereon shall be confined to Master Masons. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK, 197 

9th. When on application for membership a rejec- 
tion takes place, it is not indispensably necessary that 
the name of the rejected brother should be inserted in 
the return to the Grand Lodge ; nor is he precluded 
from applying to the same or any other Lodge at any 
subsequent meeting ; and no Lodge shall make pub- 
lic through any public print, any rejection, suspen- 
sion or expulsion. 

10th. No member can be imposed on any Lodge 
without its consent, by any power whatever. 

11th. If any Lodge shall admit to membership a 
brother who may be in arrears to another Lodge, the 
Lodge thus admitting him becomes responsible for 
the arrearages due to the other Lodge. 

12th. Any brother may be a member of as many 
Lodges as choose to admit him, and must always be 
a member of some Lodge, unless excused by vote of 
the Lodge nearest his residence ; and every brother 
so excused, is required to pay annually the sum of one 
dollar to the Lodge nearest his residence, for the bene- 
fit of the Charity Fund of said Lodge, and which sum 
the Master thereof is empowered to receive and col- 
lect ; and said Lodge shall pay the Grand Lodge for 
such member the usual per capita tax. 

13th. No brother shall be admitted to visit any Sub- 
ordinate Lodge a second time, unless he is a member 
of some warranted Lodge in Virginia, or a sojourner 
from some other grand jurisdiction, carrying with him 
proper certificates ; unless for satisfactory reasons 
such Lodge may by vote dispense with the provisions 
of this regulation : nor shall he be entitled to join in 
any Masonic procession, or be entitled to Masonic 



198 HARRIS' 

burial, or to any pecuniary aid from a Lodge, unless 
he has been excused from membership by a vote of 
his Lodge. 

14th. Each Subordinate Lodge must in general be 
the best judge of the moral fitness of all applications 
for visiting. 

CHAPTER IV. 

OF ATTENDANCE AND DEPORTMENT IN LODGE. 

1st. Every brother must always appear in his Lodge 
properly clothed, and in clean and decent apparel. 

2d. He must attend all meetings, whether stated 
or emergent, when duly summoned, unless he can 
offer such plea of necessity for his absence, as the 
By-Laws and General Regulations admit ; and to all 
these Laws and Regulations, render a willing and 
cheerful obedience. 

3d. While the Lodge is engaged in its usual labors, 
Masons must hold no private conversations or com- 
mittees without leave from the Master ; nor introduce 
any remarks irrelevant to the business before them. 
They must not interrupt the Master or Wardens, or 
any brother addressing the presiding officer, nor act 
ludicrously while the Lodge is engaged in what is se- 
rious and solemn ; but every brother shall show due 
respect to the Master and Wardens and other breth- 
ren. 

4th. No discussions relating to nations, religion or 
politics, must ever be introduced within the walls of a 
Lodge ; Masons as such, professing the universal re- 
ligion, recognizing those political maxims only in 
which all men agree, and considering all nations as 
members of the same human family. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 199 

5th. The working* hours of the Subordinate Lodges 
shall be from eight o'clock in the evening until eleven, 
between the first of April and the first of October ; 
and from half-past seven till eleven, between the first 
of October and the first of April, when their meetings 
are held at night; but when held in the day time, the 
three first hours of each session shall be considered 
technically the working hours. 

CHAPTER V. 

OF UNMASONIC CONDUCT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 
SECTION I. 

Of the Powers and Mode of Proceeding thereon in 
Subordinate Lodges. 

1st. Every Lodge under the jurisdiction of this 
Grand Lodge shall have full power and authority to 
enquire into, and punish unmasonic conduct in any 
of its members, except Masters of Lodges and regu- 
lar Past Masters: provided they do not interfere in 
disputes between brethren of a pecuniary nature, and 
in these only by request, or consent of all parties in- 
terested. 

2d. In hearing all complaints and punishing 1 delin- 
quents, according to the laws of the Craft, they are to 
adhere most religiously to the old Hebrew regula- 
tion, viz: "If a complaint be made against a brother 
and he be found guilty, he shall stand to the deter- 
mination of the Lodge ; but if the accuser or com- 
plainant cannot support his charge, and it should 
appear to the Lodge to be groundless, being the re- 
sult of hatred, malice or some unwarrantable passion, 



200 HARRIS' 

he shall incur such penalty as the accused would 
have done, had he been duly convicted." 

3d. Every Lodge possesses an inherent power of 
suspending- or expelling members, for a non-compli- 
ance with its Rules aod By-Laws; and of enacting 
and enforcing its regulations, with respect to month- 
ly, quarterly, and annual fees, after such enactment 
shall have been approved by the Grand Lodge. 

4th. Should any brother resident in Virginia, who 
may not belong to any Lodge under the jurisdiction 
of this Grand Lodge, deport himself so immorally as 
to merit the reprobation of his brethren, the Subordi- 
nate Lodge nearest to the place of his residence, 
shall have power to take cognizance of such repre- 
hensible conduct, in the same manner as if the said 
brother were a member of that Lodge. 

5th. Every brother who may be charged with un- 
Masonic conduct, shall in due time be furnished with 
a copy of the charges to be exhibited against him, if 
they be of a nature that will admit of being written; 
and if they be not, the said charges shall be made 
known to him by a committee, to be appointed for 
that purpose. 

6th. Should any brother whose conduct has been 
regularly impeached, fail to attend the summons of 
the Lodge, or of the committee appointed to examine 
into his said conduct, such brother, so failing, shall 
stand snspended from all the benefits of Masonry, 
until he do come forward, and answer to the charges 
alleged against him ; and should such brother fail to 
appear and answer said charges for one month after 
such suspension, the Lodge shall be authorized to 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 201 

proceed to examine into the merits of the charges, 
and pronounce such judgment as they shall deem 
proper in the premises. 

7th. If any member of a Lodge under the jurisdic- 
tion of this Grand Lodge, shall visit or work in any 
Lodge of Masons commonly called Clandestine Ma- 
sons; or any Lodge of Masons not working agreeably 
to the ancient usages of regular Masons, he shall be 
reprimanded by the Lodge to which he belongs; and 
if he should afterwards be guilty of a similar offence, 
he shall be expelled from the Lodge, and excluded 
from the benefits of Masonry. 

8th. In all cases of suspension, the person sus- 
pended, is thereby absolutely precluded from all the 
benefits and privileges of Masonry, throughout the 
Masonic world during the term of said suspension ; 
and which suspension should in every case be for an 
indefinite period: provided always; that the Lodge 
imposing a suspension, shall have the power of rein- 
statement. 

9th. In all cases of expulsion, the person expelled 
is thereby absolutely precluded from all the benefits 
and privileges of Masonry throughout the Masonic 
world forever. 

10th. Balloting in the Subordinate Lodges, in all 
cases, shall be confined to Master Masons, and con- 
sequently must be taken in a Master Mason's Lodge. 

11th. All suspensions and expulsions in any Sub- 
ordinate Lodge, shall immediately be communicated 
to the Grand Secretary; and if a suspension is for 
non-payment of dues, the cause, as well as the amount 
due, shall be mentioned in the report of the suspension. 



202 HARRIS' 

12th. No Master of a Lodge or regular Past Mas- 
ter can, without his own consent previously obtained, 
be called to an account, or tried for misconduct be- 
fore any other body than the Grand Lodge, or a com- 
mittee to be appointed by the Grand Lodge or the 
Grand Master. 

13th. No Master, Warden, or other Subordinate Of- 
ficer of any Subordinate Lodge, against whom any 
specific charges of unmasonic conduct are preferred, 
is competent to discharge the duties of his office un- 
til a final decision shall be made on said charges ; nor 
can any brother elected to office while charges are 
preferred against him, be installed, until such charges 
are disposed of. 

14th. When any Masonic accusations shall be 
brought against a brother in any Lodge, Subordinate 
or other, the same shall not be withdrawn for private 
adjustment, except by unanimous consent of the 
Lodge. 

15th. Where a member of a Lodge is liable, under 
the By-Laws of the Lodge, to suspension for non- 
payment of dues, and no notice can be served upon 
him after an order of the Lodge directing him to be 
summoned to show cause why he should not be sus- 
pended for non-payment of dues and the lapse of three 
months, the Lodge is hereby authorized and empow- 
ered to suspend such brother without any further no- 
tice. 

16th. When a member of a Subordinate Lodge re- 
moves from the geographical jurisdiction of said 
Lodge, and fails to make a remittance sufficient to 
liquidate his dues to the Lodge with which he is affil- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 203 

iated, for the space of twelve months, the lodge may- 
suspend such member for non-payment of dues with- 
out notice. 

17th. Whenever a charge is preferred against a bro- 
ther for unmasonic conduct, the Subordinate Lodge 
having jurisdiction in the case, shall issue a sum- 
mons for the brother charged to appear and answer ; 
and if the officer directed to execute the summons, 
make return that the brother charged "has absconded 
and is believed to be beyond the jurisdiction of Vir- 
ginia," the Subordinate Lodge having the case before 
it, having first appointed some brother to defend the 
absentee, may proceed to trial as though the brother 
were present, and inflict such punishment by suspen- 
sion or expulsion, as by them may be deemed just : 
provided, no trial shall be had under three months 
from the date of the charges. 

18th. In all cases of trial of brethren charged with 
unmasonic conduct, all the testimony relating to the 
matters in question, and which may be proper to be 
committed to writing, shall be taken in writing before 
the Lodge or before a committee appointed by the 
Lodge for that purpose, after due notice to the oppo- 
site party, and shall constitute a portion of the re- 
cord of the case. 

SECTION II. 

Of carrying Appeals from the decisions of Subordinate 
Lodges. 

1st. In all cases where a brother may consider him- 
self aggrieved by the decision of a Subordinate Lodge 
he has the right of appeal to the District Deputy 



204 HARRIS' 

Grand Master of the District in which such lodge 
may be holden. 

2d. When any brother appeals from a decision of 
his Lodge, he shall lodge a copy thereof with the D. 
D. G. Master, who shall summon the parties and their 
witnesses to appear before a commission, to be by 
him appointed, for a rehearing and decision of the 
case. 

3d. Each District Deputy Grand Master shall have 
jurisdiction of all appeals within his district, in the 
following manner : On notice by him duly received 
of any appeal, he shall forthwith summon five or more 
officers, or skillful Master Masons, to meet at such 
time and place as may be most convenient to hear and 
determine the whole subject matter of the appeal, and 
to make report of their proceedings to him ; the said 
District Deputy Grand Master reserving to either 
party the right of final appeal to the Grand Lodge 
upon the record, 

4th. Immediately after the receipt of the report and 
proceedings of said Commission, it shall be the duty of 
such D. D. G. M. to furnish the Master of the Lodge 
with a copy of the decision, and forward to the Grand 
Secretary a copy of all proceedings held by the com- 
mission, including the final decision: provided that 
evidence not proper to be written may be communi- 
cated verbally. 

5th. In all cases where a brother or Lodge may 
consider themselves aggrieved by the decision of 
said commission, they have an undoubted right of 
final appeal therefrom to the Grand Lodge. 

6th. Whereas in cases of appeal to the Grand 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 205 

Lodge from any vote, ballot, or resolution of said 
committee, it is necessary to have a copy of the whole 
of the written proceedings in such case present at the 
consideration of such appeal; therefore it shall be the 
duty of the Master of everv Lodge, in all cases of ap- 
peal, forthwith to cause a copy of such proceedings 
to be forwarded to the Grand Secretary. 

7th. When any brother or Lodge appeals from a 
decision of said committee, they shall lodge a copy 
thereof with the Grand Secretary, who shall summon 
the parties to appear with the record at the next en- 
suing Grand Communication, in order to a rehearing 
and final determination of the controversy. 

8th. It all cases of appeal, a certified copy of the 
entire record shall be forwarded to the Grand Secre- 
tary and no oral testimony shall be received by the 
Grand Lodge or Committee on Grievances and Ap- 
peals, unless such testimony be of a character im- 
proper to be written. 

9th. When any Lodge or Lodges requires that a 
commission be sent to their vicinity, for the purpose 
of investigating any difficulty which may exist in or 
between such Lodges, or between the members of 
any Lodge, that the Lodge or Lodges making such 
request shall do so in writing, and shall pay to the 
Grand Secretary the expenses attending the visit of 
such commission. 

SECTION III. 

Of Reinstatements. 

No reinstatement of a suspended or expelled Mason 
shall hereafter be made by any lodge under the juris- 



206 HARRIS' 

diction of this Grand Lodge, unless the following- 
regulations be strictly complied with: 

1st. Any suspended or expelled Mason who may 
desire to be reinstated to the benefits and privileges 
of Free Masonry, shall make application by petition 
in writing to the lodge which suspended or expelled 
him, praying for such reinstatement, and setting forth 
the reasons which prompt him to ask this favor ; 
which petition shall be presented to the Worshipful 
Master, who shall cause the same to be audibly read 
by the Secretary at the first stated Communication 
after its reception; when it shall be ordered to lie 
over for one month. The Worshipful Master shall 
then order due notice to be given to all the members 
of the Lodge, of the application, and have them noti- 
fied to attend. 

2d. The Lodge being thus duly notified and as- 
sembled, shall then proceed to consider the applica- 
tion; when the question of granting or refusing there- 
quest shall be determined by vote or ballot, as the 
Lodge may see fit. 

3d. In all votes or ballots on the question of re-in- 
stating a suspended or expelled Mason, every mem- 
ber present shall be required to vote, unless for good 
cause he may be excused by unanimous consent of the 

lodge. 

4th. If, upon taking a vote or ballot on the petition 
of a suspended Mason for reinstatement, a less number 
than two-thirds of the members present vote for the re- 
instatement, the petition shall be declared rejected; 
in case of the petition of an expelled Mason, the vote 
for re instatement must be unanimous. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 207 

5th. The action of a lodge on the question of re- 
storing or re instating a suspended or expelled Mason, 
may be the subject of appeal by any member who 
may think proper to do so. And in case of an appeal, 
the re-instatement shall not take effect until the appeal 
is decided by the proper tribunal. 

6th. Any Mason who has been, or may hereafter be 
suspended for non-payment of dues, may be reinstated 
at any stated Communication of the lodge which sus- 
pended him, upon paying the amount of his dues. 

7th. The reinstatement of an expelled or suspend- 
ed Mason, does not restore such brother to member- 
ship in the lodge which suspended or expelled him, 
but only to the general rights and privileges of Ma- 
sonry; and to be restored to membership, he must, 
after reinstatement, petition as any other non -affiliated 
Mason, except in case of suspension for non-payment 
of dues as above provided for. 

8th. The Lodge which suspends or expels a Mason, 
is the only lodge which can reinstate him. But if 
that lodge has become extinct (or otherwise incapable 
of working,) and there is no working lodge in the for- 
mer jurisdiction of that extinct lodge, the petition 
shall be presented to the D. D. G. Master of the Dis- 
trict in which the lodge was located, who shall refer 
the petition to a commission of five skillful Past Mas- 
ters or Officers of lodges, who, after due notice to all 
the former members of the extinct Lodge who can be 
found within its jurisdiction, shall proceed to hear 
and determine the application. This commission shall 
keep a full record of their proceedings, which they 



208 HARRIS' 

shall transmit to the Grand Secretary, who shall lay 
the same before the Grand Lodge; and if no objection 
be then urged, it shall be confirmed. 

9th. In a case of a working lodge being in exist- 
ence in the former jurisdiction of an extinct Lodge, 
the D. D. G. Master may, at his option, refer the pe- 
tition to that Lodge, when the same proceedings shall 
be held as provided for when the petition is presented 
to the Lodge inflicting the suspension or expulsion, 
and their decision need not be submitted to the Grand 
Lodge for confirmation, unless by appeal. 

CHAPTER VI. 

OF THE ELECTION, POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE 
OFFICERS OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

SECTION I. 

Of the Election of the Officers in general. 

1st. The installation of officers in the subordinate 
lodges shall be annually on the twenty-fourth of June. 
Each particular lodge is enjoined to hold the election 
of its officers ou the evening of the stated meeting im- 
mediately preceding the anniversary or festival of St. 
John the Baptist. 

2d. Whenever a vacancy shall happen, either by the 
death, removal or resignation of any officer of a Sub- 
ordinate Lodge, such vacancy shall be filled either at 
the next stated meeting, or at a meeting specially 
called by the Master or presiding Warden, for that 
purpose. 

3d. In all cases of election of officers, the suffrages of 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 209 

a majority of all the members present, who are enti- 
tled to vote, shall be necessary to constitute a proper 
election. 

4th. In the election of officers, every free member, 
or every member who has paid all arrearages, or has 
been excused from payment according to law, has one 
vote. 

5th. In selecting candidates for the different offices, 
great care is to be taken that none be nominated from 
any other considerations than real merit, and pre-emi- 
nent ability to discharge the duties attached to them. 

SECTION II. 

Of the Matter of a Lodge. 

1st. No brother can be Master of a Lodge till he has 
regularly served in the office of Warden, unless in ex- 
traordinary cases, or where a new Lodge is about to be 
formed, and no past Warden is to be found among the 
members. In such cases, a well informed Master Ma- 
son may be constituted Master of the new Lodge, or 
of any old Lodge similarly situated; but previous to 
entering on the functions of his office, he must receive 
the degree of Past Master. 

2nd. In the election of the Master, the present 
Wardens where they have regularly served, shall al- 
ways be among the number of candidates for the Chair. 

3d. After the nominations are all made, the candi- 
dates shall withdraw, while every free member gives 
his vote in favor of him whom he deems most worthy. 

4th. When the ballot is closed, the acting Master 
shall direct that the candidates return to the Lodge 



210 HARRIS' 

room and take their seats. He shall then carefully 
examine the poll, through a committee appointed 
therefor, and declare the brother having the majority 
of votes duly elected. 

5th. The Master of every Lodge thus duly elected 
and installed, has it in special charge to see that the 
By-Laws of his Lodge, as well as the general regula- 
tions from the Grand Lodge, be duly observed; that 
his Wardens discharge their duty with fidelity, and 
be examples of diligence and propriety to the Craft; 
that true and exact minutes and records of all the pro 
ceedings be kept by the Secretary; that the Treasurer 
keep and render accurate and just accounts, at the 
stated times required by the By-Laws and Orders of 
the Lodge; and in general, that all goods and moneys 
belongiug to the Lodge be correctly managed and dis- 
bursed, as if they were his own private property, ac- 
cording to the vote and direction of the majority. 

6th. The Master has the power of appointing some 
brother, (who is generally the Secretary,) to keep the 
book of By-Laws and other laws given by proper au- 
thority; also the books containing the names of all 
the members of the Lodge, and the list of Lodges in 
Virginia, with their usual times and places of meet- 
ing. 

7th. The Master has also the power of preventing 
the removal of his Lodge from one house to another, 
unless sanctioned by the course of proceeding pointed 
out in the Chapter bearing on that subject. 

8th. The Master of every Subordinate Lodge shall 
have power and authority to assemble his Lodge, upon 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 211 

the application of any of the brethren, and upon any 
emergency which in his judgment may require their 
meeting. 

9th. The Masters of all subordinate lodges, where 
they have abilities and members, are permitted to per- 
form the ceremonies of Installation, Dedication, Con- 
secration and Funerals, and are required to report 
their proceedings to the first Grand Annual Communi- 
cation thereafter. 

10th. It is likewise the duty of every Master of a 
Lodge to attend all meetings of the brethren in Grand 
Communication, as a representative of his Lodge. 

11th. The Master of every Lodge is required either 
to have the proceedings of each Grand Annual Com- 
munication read in open Lodge, or referred to a spe- 
cial committee, with instructions to report to the Lodge 
any matter that demands their specific attention, at 
the first regular meeting after the receipt of said pro- 
ceedings. 

12th. It is the duty of the Master, immediately 
upon the death of a regular member of his Lodge, in 
good standing, to have a record made of said death 
upon the Lodge book, and report the same to the Grand 
Secretary, who shall thereupon transmit to the Master 
of said Lodge a Grand Lodge Diploma, filled up with 
the name of the deceased brother, free of expense, 
for the benefit and use of the widow and orphans, or 
either. 

13th. When sitting in Grand Communication, the 
Master and Wardens, or such of them who may attend, 
have full power and authority to represent their 



212 HARRIS' 

Lodge, and to transact all business therein, as fully as 
if all their members were there present. Nevertheless, 
the representatives of every Lodge are subject to such 
instructions as may be given them by their respective 
Lodges, for their conduct in Grand Communication. 

SECTION III. 
Of the Wardens of a Lodge. 

1st. None but Master Masons can be Wardens of a 
Lodge; and must receive the degree of Past Master 
before entering upon the duties of that office. 

2nd. From among these the Master elect shall nomi- 
nate one for the office of Senior Warden, and the pres- 
ent Master and brethren shall nominate one in oppo- 
sition; and in balloting for this and all the remaining 
officers, the Lodge shall proceed in the same manner 
as in choosing a Master. 

3d. The Senior Warden succeeds to all the duties 
of the Master when he is absent. And if the Master 
resigns or becomes otherwise disqualified, the Senior 
Warden takes his place till it is supplied by election. 
Aud although it was formerly held that in all such 
cases, the Master's authority ought to revert to the last 
Past Master who is present, yet it is now the settled 
rule that the authority devolves upon the Senior War- 
den, and in his absence, upon the Junior Warden, 
even although a former Master be present. And if 
the presiding Warden should call on any Past Master 
who may be in Lodge to take the Chair, on the pre- 
sumption of his superior skill in conducting the busi- 
ness of the Lodge; nevertheless, such Past Master still 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 213 

derives his authority from the Warden, and cannot 
act till that officer congregates the Lodge. 

4th. The business of the Wardens is generally to 
assist the Master in conducting the labors of the 
Lodge, to perform that duty in his absence, and to 
attend as representatives of their Lodge in Grand 
Commuication. 

SECTION IV. 

Of the Treasurer of a Lodge. 

1st. The Treasurer is to receive from the Secretary 
all moneys paid in for the use of the Lodge, and to 
pay all orders drawn on him by its authority. He is 
to keep regular entries both of his receipts and dis- 
bursements, and to have his books and vouchers al- 
ways ready for examination, at such stated times as 
the By-Laws require, or when specially called on by 
order of the Master and brethren 

2d. The Treasurer is likewise to have the charge and 
custody of the jewels and furniture of the Lodge, un- 
less when the Master and majority may judge it more 
convenient to assign that duty to some other re- 
sponsible brother ; or when the officers may take the 
charge immediately on themselves. 

SECTION V. 

Of the Secretary of a Lodge. 

1st, The Secretary shall keep regular minutes of 
all the proceedings of a Lodge that may properly be 
committed to writing, which shall be afterwards faith- 
fully entered in the record books, with such previous 
corrections as the brethren may approve. 



214 HARRIS' 

2d. He shall keep an accurate list of all" the mem- 
bers of the Lodge, with the times of admission of new 
members, and make a return thereof to the Grand 
Secretary, just before each Grand Annual Communi- 
cation, which shall be signed by the Master and at- 
tested by the Secretary with the seal of each Lodge, 
in order that the Grand Secretary, and consequently 
the members of the Grand Lodge may be at all times 
enabled to know the number and names of members 
in every Lodge under their jurisdiction, with the 
handwriting of the different officers ; and to pay all 
due respect to the brethren recommended, or certified 
by them from time to time. 

SECTION VI. 

Of the Deacons of a Lodge. 

It is the duty of the Senior and Junior Deacons to 
attend on the Master and Wardens, and to act as 
their proxies in the active duties of the Lodge — such 
as the reception of candidates into the different de- 
grees of Masonry, the introduction and accomodation 
of visitors, and in the immediate practice of our rites. 

SECTION VII. 

Of the Stewards of a Lodge. 

It is the duty of the Stewards to assist in the col- 
lection of dues and subscriptions, to keep an account 
of the Lodge expenses for refreshments, and to see 
that the tables are properly furnished therefor, and 
that every brother is suitably provided, and generally 
to assist the Deacons and other officers in performing 
their respective duties. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 215 

SECTION VIII. 

Of the Tiler of a Lodge. 

1st, The Tiler should be a Master Mason of knowl- 
edge and experience ; and generally a brother is to 
be preferred to whom the fees of the office may be 
necessary and serviceable. 

2d. His principal duty is to take care that no person 
(even a member) shall be admitted while the Lodge is 
in session, without the knowledge and consent of the 
presiding officer ; neither shall he admit any visitor 
(that is not a member of a warranted Lodge) a second 
time, sojourners producing certificates excepted. 

3d. If he is a member of a Lodge, he is entitled to 
all the privileges which any other member is entitled 
to. 

CHAPTEK VII. 

OF THE GRAND LODGE OF VIRGINIA. 
SECTION I. 

Of whom the Grand Lodge is composed. 

1st. The Grand Lodge of Virginia is composed of 
the Masters and Wardens of all the regular Lodges 
therein, or of such representatives as may occasionally 
be appointed in the room of Masters or Wardens un- 
able to attend. 

2d. Of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, 
Grand Wardens, Grand Trearurer, Grand Secretary, 
Grand Lecturer and Grand Deacons. 

3d. Of the District Deputy Grand Masters. 

4th. Of the regular Past Masters of the different 
Lodges who have represented their lodges therein. 



216 HARRIS' 

5th. Of the Past Grand Masters, Past Deputy 
Grand Masters, and Past Grand Wardens, Past Grand 
Secretarys, Treasurers, Lecturers, Deacons, indeed 
of all elective Past Grand Officers. 

6th. When any Master or Warden of a Subordinate 
Lodge, from such urgent business as may reasonably 
plead his excuse, cannot attend the Grand Lodge, his 
Lodge may appoint any one of their members, or 
other brother Mason, to supply his place in Grand 
Communication : provided that no brother shall rep- 
resent a Subordinate Lodge in the Grand Lodge, 
unless he be a resident of the Masonic District 
wherein such Lodge is situated, or the Master or 
Warden of the Lodge which he may represent ; and 
no brother shall represent more than three Lodges. 

7th. Any Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand 
Lodge of Virginia, and not within this Commonwealth, 
may be represented by any eminent brother or breth- 
ren, not a member or members of such Lodge; who 
shall be entitled to one vote for each Lodge he or 
they may so represent : provided that no brother 
shall represent more than three Lodges. 

8th. Every brother thus deputed to represent a 
Lodge, shall be furnished with a certificate of his 
appointment, under the seal of the Lodge appointing 
him, and the attestation of the Secretary thereof ; 
without which, he cannot take his seat in the Grand 
Lodge. 

9th. No brother residing in the State of Virginia 
can be a member of this Grand Lodge, unless he is 
actually a contributing member of some chartered 
Lodge under its jurisdiction. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 217 

10th. To constitute a quorum of this Grand Lodge 
so as to proceed to business, there must be present 
the representatives of at least five regular Lodges. 

11th. If the Grand Master is absent from any meet- 
ing of the Grand Lodge, the Deputy Grand Master 
shall supply his place ; if the Deputy Grand Master 
be likewise absent, the Senior Grand Warden shall 
preside, and in his absence the Junior Grand Warden; 
and if neither of the Presiding Grand Officers is 
present, the Master of the oldest Subordinate Lodge 
who may be present, shall act as Grand Master pro 
tern. In all cases, the presiding member may nomi- 
nate his Deputy, and call on any eminent brethren to 
fill the temporary vacancies of the Grand Lodge. 

12th. The Grand Master when he finds he must ne- 
cessarily be absent, shall nevertheless have the power 
at all times of giving a special commission under his 
hand and seal of office, authorizing any eminent bro- 
ther, a member of the Grand Lodge, to officiate in his 
place; provided the Deputy Grand Master should not 
attend. 

13th. In case of the death of a Grand Master, or 
any other Grand Officer, the same order of succession 
shall take place as is above set forth, till the next suc- 
ceeding election. 

SECTION II. 

Of the Meetings and Powers of the Grand Lodge. 

1st. The Grand Lodge shall meet in the city of 
Richmond at six o'clock in the evening of the second 
Tuesday in December of each year; and may be called 
off from day to day until its business is finished. 



218 HABRIS' 

2d. The Grand Lodge shall have power and au- 
thority at all times to make local ordinances and new 
regulations, as well as to amend old ones, for their 
own particular benefit, and the good of Masonry in 
general '.provided always, that the ancient landmarks 
be carefully preserved. 

3d. The Grand Lodge at the Annual Communica- 
tion, shall seriously consider, discuss and transact all 
matters that concern the prosperity of the Fraternity 
in general, or private Lodges and individual brethren 
in particular. Hence, therefore, are all differences to 
be deliberately considered and decided that cannot 
be accommodated privately, nor by particular Lodges. 

4th. The members of the Grand Lodge, and of all 
Warranted Lodges within their jurisdiction, so far as 
they have abilities and numbers, have an undoubted 
right to confer and practice all degrees of the ancient 
Craft; but no Masons of any denomination can hold 
any Lodge without a Warrant for the place where 
held. ' 

SECTION III. 

Of the Manner of Voting in 4he Grand Lodge. 

1st. All questions before the Grand Lodge shall be 
determined by a majority of votes, to be regulated on 
the following principles, viz: 

2d. The Reprerentatives of each Subordinate Lodge 
shall collectively have three votes. 

3d. The Grand Master, or Presiding Officer, one 
vote, except in cases of an equal division, when he 
shall have two votes : provided they are not cases of 
election. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 219 

4th. The Deputy Grand Master one vote. 

5th. The Grand Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary, 
Lecturer, and Deacons, one vote each. 

6th. The District Deputy Grand Masters, col- 
lectively, one vote; provided they are not representa- 
tives of a Subordinate Lodge or elective officers of 
the Grand Lodge. 

7th. The Past Grand Masters one vote each. 

8th. The Past Masters collectively, who are not 
representatives of any Subordinate Lodge, or officers 
of the Grand Lodge one vote. 

8th. For the sake of convenience in voting, the col- 
lective bodies will sit together, that when a question is 
before the body, they may consult among themselves 
how the vote shall be given ; and when the question 
is put, one member may vote for the whole, and that 
duty should be performed by the senior Mason. 

SECTION IV. 

Of admitting Visitors into the Grand Lodge. 

1st. Any Master Mason having business before the 
Grand Lodge, or whose attendance becomes neces- 
sary to give evidence or information, or who is of re- 
spectable standing, may be admitted to visit the Grand 
Lodge; but such brother shall not be allowed to vote, 
nor shall he speak on any question without leave, or 
when requested to give his opinion : provided, that 
no brother whatever can be admitted into the Grand 
Lodge, unless he is a member of some regular Lodge. 

2d, Every brother admitted to visit the Grand 
Lodge, may pay one dollar for the benefit of the 
Grand Charity Fund, unless he is attending on busi- 



220 HARRIS' 

ness with the Grand Lodge, or his circumstances will 
not admit of the payment thereof. 

3d. Visitors are permitted to take their seats before 
the opening of the Grand Lodge. 

4th. Upon the invitation of any member of the 
Grand Lodge, a Master Mason being a member of 
some Lodge, may be admitted to visit without paying 
a fee : 

CHAPTER VIII. 

RULES TO BE OBSERVED IN CONDUCTING BUSINESS 
BEFORE THE GRAND LODGE. 

1st. At the third stroke of the Grand Master's 
gavel, there shall be a general silence, and whoever 
breaks it without permission from the Chair, shall be 
publicly reprimanded. 

2d. Under the same penalty, every brother shall 
keep his seat and observe silence whenever the Grand 
Master, Deputy, or Grand Warden, shall think proper 
to call to order. 

3d. No member of the Grand Lodge shall appear 
therein without the jewels he ought to wear in his 
own private Lodge, unless for some good reason to 
be allowed in the Grand Lodge. 

4th. Every member shall select his seat according 
to the number of his Lodge, at the opening session, 
and avoid moving about during the Communication, 
except the Grand Deacons, as having more im- 
mediately the care of the Grand Lodge, and such 
other officers whose official duties may call them to 
different parts of the Lodge room. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 221 

5th. No brother shall speak more than twice on the 
same subject, unless to explain, or when called upon 
by the Chair to speak. 

oth. Every brother who speaks shall rise and in a 
respectful manner address the Chair ; and while 
speaking no member shall presume to interrupt him, 
under aforesid penalty. But if the speaker is wan- 
dering from the point under consideration, and the 
Grand Master shall call him to order, he shall sit 
down, and after being set right, may again proceed if 
he chooses. 

7th If any member shall be twice called to order 
during the same evening, for a violation of these rules, 
and is guilty of a third offence of the same nature, 
the Chair shall peremptorily order him to quit the 
Lodge room for that session. 

8th. Whoever shall be so rude as to hiss or laugh at 
any brother, or at what he may have advanced, shall 
be forthwith solemnly excluded from the Communica- 
tion, and rendered incapable of returning till he shall 
have made satisfactory concessions. 

9th. For the purpose of admitting witnesses, it is 
deemed most proper to try all controversies in a com- 
mittee, and therefore the Presiding Officer shall di- 
rect a committee of the whole Grand Lodge to meet 
in the Hall, on the second day of Communication, or 
at such time as the Grand Lodge may designate, for 
the aforesaid purpose; and this committee shall exam- 
ine and determine on every kind of business that may 
be referred to them, and report their proceedings to the 
Grand Lodge the same evening for their ratification. 

10th. No resolution having for its object the intro- 



222 HARRIS' 

duction of a new regulation in the Constitution of the 
Grand Lodge, or the alteration of an existing one, 
shall be acted upon, unless it be handed up in writing 
to the Chair on the first or second days of the Grand 
Annual Communication, and audibly read by the 
Grand Secretary ; after which it must be referred to 
the Committee on Jurisprudence for consideration : 
after being reported on by the committee, it shall be 
finally determined. 

11. No motion or resolution once disposed of by 
the Grand Lodge, shall be reconsidered during that 
Communication, unless the motion to reconsider be 
entered up during the session, at which such motion 
or resolution shall have been offered. 

12th. The Grand Master shall lay before the Grand 
Lodge, minutes of all his proceedings during the re- 
cess, particularly those relating to questions of juris- 
prudence ; which shall be read previously to the elec- 
tion of Grand Officers. 

CHAPTER IX. 

OF RETURNS, CONTRIBUTIONS AND FEES. 

1st. The several Lodges on record shall transmit to 
each Grand Annual Communication, a list of all the 
officers and members of each Lodge, distinguishing 
their various grades, with such other matters relating 
to the Craft, as may be deemed proper to communi- 
cate ; as also a list setting forth as accurately as may 
be, the names of all Masons residing in their vicinity 
who are not members of any Lodge, and consequently 
not contributing to the Masonic Society; and the said 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 223 

lists shall be recorded by the Grand Secretary, in a 
book especially appropriated for that purpose. 

2d. Every Subordinate Lodge shall pay annually, 
as a contribution to this Grand Lodge, the sum of 
twenty five cents for each member of such Subordi- 
nate Lodge, according to the returns made. 

3d. And when any Subordinate Lodge shall fail to 
send its contribution, and to make a return of its mem- 
bers, such Lodge shall be chargeable on the books of 
the Grand Secretary with the sum last paid, and when 
a return shall be made without the contribution, the 
Grand Secretary shall charge the Lodge with the 
amount of contribution due from it. 

4th. It shall be the duty of the Grand Secretary to 
send out a list of such contributions as may be paid to 
the Grand Lodge, after every Annual Communication. 

5th. If any Subordinate Lodge shall fail of attend- 
ing the annual meetings of the Grand Lodge, or in 
the discharge of contributions to the Grand Lodge 
Fund, for two years successively, as reported by the 
Grand Secretary, such Lodge so failing, shall thereby 
be suspended, and all its workings thereafter be con- 
sidered null and void, until it shall be regularly rein- 
stated; and if not reinstated at the next succeeding 
Grand Annual Communication, they shall become ex- 
tinct and be so declared. The numbers of such extinct 
Lodges shall be used in subsequent Charters, begin- 
ning with the oldest, unless otherwise requested by 
the petitioners for such Charter. 

6th. For every Charter granted by the Grand Lodge, 
the members of the Lodge thereby constituted, shall 
pay to the Grand Lodge the sum of thirty-three and 



224 HARRIS' 

one-third dollars, and to the Grand Secretary a fee of 
six dollars and sixty-seven cents. 

7th. For every Dispensation to form a new Lodge, 
the applicants shall pay to the Grand Secretary a fee 
of five dollars. 

8th. For every Grand Diploma or Certificate, the 
brother receiving it shall pay to the Grand Secretary 
the sum of one dollar. 

CHAPTER X. 

OF ISSUING CHARTERS, DISPENSATIONS AND DIPLOMAS. 

1st. No set of Masons shall ever take upon them- 
selves to work together, or form a new Lodge, without 
a Warrant or Dispensation, issued according to the 
Laws of the Grand Lodge. 

2d. Charters for forming new Lodges can only be 
granted by the brethren assembled in the Grand An- 
nual Communication. 

3d. Before application can be made to the Grand 
Lodge by brethren already members of a Lodge, for 
a Charter to form a new one, the applicants shall pay 
all dues to their Lodge, and notify them in writing 
that they intend applying for a Charter to establish 
a new Lodge. 

4th. Whenever application is made to the Grand 
Lodge, by a sufficient number of brethren, for a 
Charter to form a new Lodge, the Grand Lodge shall 
carefully ascertain whether their skill as Masons, and 
their good conduct as men, will justify a compliance 
with their petition. And only after perfect satisfaction 
on these points, shall the Grand Lodge issue a 
Charter. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 225 

5th. When a Lodge becomes too numerous for 
working with convenience, and application shall be 
made by some of the members for leave to separate 
and form a new Lodge, their separations must be certi- 
fied by their Lodge to the Grand Communication, to- 
gether with a recommendation of the brethren most 
proper to be appointed officers of the new Lodge, be- 
fore a Charter shall issue. 

6th. The Grand Master, or in his absence out of 
the State, the Deputy Grand Master, may grant a 
Dispensation for forming a new Lodge, to continue 
in force until the next Grand Communication : pro- 
vided the petitioners are furnished with the same re- 
commendations as are necessary for obtaining Char- 
ters: and further provided said Lodge shall work 
according to a code of By-Laws to be furnished by 
the Grand Secretary. But' it shall be discretionary 
with the succeeding Grand Annual Communication, 
whether a Charter shall be granted or not, and if 
granted, the Dispensation shall continue in full force 
and effect until such Charter shall be received and the 
new Lodge installed. 

7th. And the Grand Lodge of Virginia will hold no 
communication with any Lodge in this State, which 
shall in future be constituted by the authority of any 
other Grand Lodge. 

8th. No Charter or Dispensation to Constitute a 
Lodge, shall be granted to any number of Masons re- 
siding in any other State where a Grand Lodge adopt- 
ing this principle is held, unless such Grand Lodge 
shall furnish the petitioners with a written acquies- 
cence, properly authenticated. 



226 HARRIS' 

9th. Every Charter issued from this Grand Lodge 
shall be signed by the Grand Master, or in case of 
his death or absence out of the State, by the Deputy 
Grand Master, sealed with the seal of the Grand 
Lodge, and attested by the Grand Secretary, directed 
to three reputable brethren, authorizing them to call 
in other brethren to their assistance, and to enter Ap- 
prentices, pass Fellow Crafts, and raise Master Ma- 
sons, and perform all other work agreeably to ancient 
customs and usages. 

11th. Every Dispensation granted forming a new 
Lodge shall have the Seal of the Grand Lodge, and 
the attestation of the Grand Secretary, and be entered 
by him in a book of Registration. 

11th. Whenever a Charter shall issue from this 
Grand Lodge to form a new Lodge, it shall be ac- 
companied by a Dispensation, signed by the Presid- 
ing Officer, with the Seal of the Grand Lodge, and 
attested by the Grand Secretary directed to some 
Past Master, with power to appoint his Wardens, and 
to install the Officers of the new Lodge, and set them 
to work, agreeably to ancient customs and usages, 
provided the Grand Master does not attend in person; 
but the Master of the new Lodge shall previously re- 
ceive his Degree in the presence of three Past Mas- 
ters at least. And all these things must be done 
before the new Lodge can be entitled to representa- 
tion in Grand Lodge. 

12th. Every newly constituted Lodge shall be fur- 
nished with three copies of the Text-Book, at the ex- 
pense of the Grand Lodge. 

13th. Every brother previously obtaining a certifi- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 227 

cate from the Lodge of which he is a member, setting 
forth his regular behavior, and that he has regularly 
discharged all Lodge dues, shall be entitled on ap- 
plication to receive a Grand Lodge certificate or 
diploma, signed by the proper Officers, (the Grand 
Master or Deputy, and Grand Secretary,) and having 
also the signature of the member himself, opposite 
the seal : provided said application is made within 
thirty days* after the date of such certificate, and when 
the Grand Secretary has no good reason to believe 
he has been guilty of any criminal offence since said 
date. 

14th. Every member of a Lodge under a Dispensa- 
tion, shall be considered a member under a subse- 
quent Charter ; and every application for a Dispensa- 
tion to open a new lodge shall be deemed an appli- 
cation for a subsequent Charter. 

CHAPTER XI. 

OF THE MANNER OF CONSTITUTING A LODGE. 

1st. A sufficient number of brethren being con- 
vened in conformity to Dispensation, as set forth in 
the 11th paragraph of the foregoing Chapter, together 
with the brethren of the intended new Lodge, the 
Constituting Lodge shall be opened in the Third 
Degree of Masonry. 

2d. The brethren designated as Master and War- 
dens of the new Lodge being yet promiscuously 
among their Fellows, the Acting Marshall shall ask his 
Senior Warden if he has examined them, and found 
them well skilled in the mysteries of Masonry, &c. 



228 HARRIS' 

The Warden answering in the affirmative, shall, by 
the Master's order, take the Senior candidate from 
among his Fellows, and present him to the Master, 
saying, "Right Worshipful Master, the brethren here 
assembled desire to be formed into a regular Lodge, 
and I present my worthy Brother A. B., to be iustalled 
their Master, whom I know to be of good morals and 
great skill, true and trusty, and a lover of the whole 
Fraternity, wheresoever dispersed over the face of 
the Earth," 

3d. Then the Master placing the Candidate on his 
left hand, and having asked and obtained the unani- 
mous consent of the brethren, shall say, (after some 
other ceremonies and expressious that cannot be writ- 
ten,) I constitute and form these good brethren into a 
new regular Lodge, and appoint you .Brother A. B., 
the Master thereof, not doubting of your capacity and 
care, to preserve the cement of the lodge, <fec. 

4th. Whereupon the Senior Warden, or some other 
brother for him, shall rehearse the charge of a Master, 
and the Master shall ask the Candidate saying, "Do 
you submit to these charges as Masters have done in 
all ages?" And the new Master signifying his cor- 
dial submission thereto, the Master shall by certain 
significant ceremonies and ancient usages, install him, 
and present him with his Warrant, the Book of Con- 
stitutions, the Lodge Book, and the Instruments of 
his office, one after another ; and after each of them, 
his Warden, or some brother for him, shall rehearse 
the short and expressive charge, suitable to the thing 
presented. 

5th. Next the members of this new lodge bowing 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK, 229 

to the Acting Master, shall return him thanks accord- 
ing to the custom of Masons, and shall immediately 
do homage to their own Master, and as faithful 
Craftsmen signify their promise of obedience to him, 
with usual congratulations. 

6th. The Wardens and such other brethren as are 
not members of this new lodge, shall now congratu- 
late the new Master, and he shall return becoming 
acknowledgments, first to the Acting Master and 
other officers, and then to the others in order. 

7th. The Acting Master then instructs the new Mas- 
ter to enter immediately on the exercise of his official 
functions; and the new Master calling forth his Senior 
Warden, presents him to the Acting Master for his 
approbation, and to the new lodge for their consent; 
whereupon the Senior or Junior Acting Wardens, or 
some other brother for him, rehearses the charges of 
a Warden, &c, and he signifying his cordial submis- 
sion thereto, the new Master shall present him with 
the several Instruments of his office in succession, 
and install him in due and ancient form. 

8th. In like manner, the Master of the new lodge 
shall call forth his Junior Warden, and present him 
to be duly installed. And the members thereof shall 
signify their obedience to their Wardens, by the usual 
congratulations. 

9th. The acting Master then gives all the brethren 
joy of the Master, Wardens, &c, and recommends 
harmony, &c, hoping their only contention will be a 
laudable emulation in cultivating Masonic and social 
virtues. 

10th. Then the Secretary, by the Acting Master's 



230 HARRIS' 

order, in the name of the Grand Lodge, proclaims 
this new lodge duly constituted No. — , &c; upon 
which all the members of the new lodge, (after the 
customs of Masons,) return their cordial thanks for 
the honor of this Constitution, and the lodge is 
closed. 

11th. The Master thus acting under Dispensation, 
makes return to the Grand Secretary of his proceed- 
ings therein. 

12th. No Warden of a Subordinate lodge shall enter 
upon the duties of his office until he shall have taken 
the Degree of Past Master, which degree the officers 
being Past Masters have the undoubted right to 
confer. 

CHAPTER XII. 

OF PROCEEDINGS IN RETURNING CHARTERS. 

1st. Whenever a question shall be agitated in a 
Subordinate lodge, having in view the return of its 
Charter to the Grand Lodge, the said Subordinate 
Lodge shall be convened by summonses, issued at 
least one month before the first discussion of the 
question of returning the Charter shall be had ; and 
the Tiler or person appointed to summon the brethren, 
shall make due return of the persons summoned. 

2d. When in conformity to the aforesaid sum- 
monses, the lodge shall be convened, the concurrence 
of a majority of at least two-thirds of the members 
present shall be necessary, before the proposal for 
returning the Charter shall be entered of record. If 
such majority be found, this proposition shall lie over 
until the next regular meeting of the lodge, and 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 231 

summonses and return thereof shall be made as before. 
At the said next regular meeting of the lodge, the 
subject shall again be discussed ; and if two-thirds of 
the attending members shall be in favor of giving up 
the Charter, the reasons on which such resolution is 
founded, shall be entered of record. 

3d. Immediately after the passage of such resolu- 
tion, a schedule shall be made out and entered of 
record, of all the books, papers, jewels, furniture, 
funds, &c, belonging to the lodge, and also a list of 
all the creditors of, and debtors to the lodge. 

4th. When these measures shall have been taken, 
the said lodge shall cause to be laid before the 
Grand Lodge, at the next succeeding Annual Com- 
munication, an accurate copy of the whole of their 
proceedings, with the reasons, schedule, and list 
aforesaid, when the Grand Lodge will on thus pos- 
sessing the whole subject, take such order on the case 
of such private lodge, as shall appear to be right 
and proper. 

5th. When the determination of any lodge to re- 
turn its Charter, shall be confirmed by the Grand 
Lodge, or when a lodge shall be declared dormant 
or extinct, the books, papers, funds, furniture, and 
everything else belonging to such lodge, should 
come under the control, direction and safe keeping of 
the Grand Lodge, as the paternal representative of 
the Craft throughout its jurisdiction. 



232 HARRIS' 

OHAPTEE XIII. 
SECTION I. 

OF PROCEEDINGS IN REMOVING LODGES. 

1st. No motion can be made for the removal of a 
lodge in the absence of the Master. But if a motion 
be made while he is present, for removing the lodge 
to some more convenient place, within the district 
assigned by the Charter, and the said motion be sec- 
onded, the Master shall order summonses to every 
individual member of the lodge, specifying the busi- 
ness and appointing a time, not less than ten days 
distant, for discussing and determining thereon. And 
if, on the ultimate vote, the Master is not of the ma- 
jority, the lodge shall not be removed, unless two- 
thirds of the members present vote for such removal. 

2d. But if the Master refuses to direct such summons- 
es to be issued, then either of the Wardens may author- 
ize the same; and if the Master neglects to attend on 
the day therein appointed, the lodge may under the 
direction of the Warden, proceed to a decision. 

3d. If the lodge thus regularly decide on a removal, 
the Master or Warden shall send notice to the Grand 
Secretary, that such removal may be recorded in the 
books of the Grand Lodge. 

SECTION II. 

OF GRAND LECTURER. 

1st. Each year, at the election of the officers, there 
shall be elected a Grand Lecturer, whose duty it shall 
be to visit and instruct the lodges and members thereof 
when requested so to do. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 233 

2d. In his instructions he shall conform to the Ac- 
cepted Ritual, as taught by the Grand Working Com- 
mittee, or the Committee on Work, as adopted by the 
Grand Lodge, and the laws of the same as contained 
in Harris' Text -Book. 

3d. He shall be ex officio Chairman of the Grand 
Working Committee. 

4th. The Grand Lecturer shall receive as compen- 
sation for his services such amount per day as is al- 
lowed other Grand Lodge officers, while he is engaged 
in his official duties, such expenses to be paid by the 
lodges or parties to whom such services are rendered. 

5th. On any such visit of instruction, if he shall 
discover any immoral or masonic irregularity among 
the members of said lodges, or in the lodges them- 
selves, he shall report the same to the District Deputy 
Grand Master of the District. 

6th. He shall annually, at each Grand Annual 
Communication, make a report in writing of his acts 
and doings during the year. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

OF DISTRICTS AND DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS. 

1st. All the subordinate lodges under this jurisdic- 
tion shall be laid off in Districts, and any lodge which 
may be revived, or any new lodge which may be es- 
tablished, shall be assigned its position and number 
by the Grand Lodge accordingly. 

2d. Every subordinate lodge, at the stated meeting 
in the months of September, October or November, 
shall recommend some brother of respectability and 



234 HARRIS' 

skill, who is a Master of a lodge, or regular Past Mas- 
ter, and a resident in the Masonic district in which the 
lodge so recommending is situated, as District Deputy 
Grand Master for the said district for the year thence 
ensuing; and said lodge shall return the name of the 
person so recommended, with the annual return, to 
each Grand Annual Communication. 

3d. Every brother so recommended and nominated 
as District Deputy Grand Master, shall be satisfacto- 
rily vouched for as a Past Master of a lodge, and well 
skilled in the first, second and third degrees of Mason- 
ry, as the work is now prescribed by this Grand Lodge. 

4th. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, with the 
advice of the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand 
Warden and the Junior Grand Warden, shall be ves- 
ted with the power to appoint, annually, a District 
Deputy Grand Master for each district, who shall ex- 
ercise all the functions and enjoy all the privileges 
prescribed thereby. 

5th. Every District Deputy Grand Master so ap- 
pointed shall be furnished with a warrant of his ap- 
pointment, signed by the Grand Master and attested 
by the Grand Secretary, with the seal of the Grand 
Lodge affixed; upon receipt whereof, in all cases where 
they decline to act, they are required forthwith to re- 
turn the warrant of appointment; whereupon the 
Grand Master is authorized and requested to make a 
new appointment, to continue in force until the next 
Grand Annual Communication. 

6th. Immediately after every appointment of District 
Deputy Grand Masters as aforesaid, the Grand Secre- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 235 

tary shall forward to each of the subordinate lodges a 
list of the names of the persons appointed, with the 
lodges composing the districts placed under their su- 
perintendence respectively. 

7th. The duties of the District Deputy Grand Mas- 
ters shall be as follows, and each of them, by virtue of 
his appointment, shall possess full power and author- 
ity to carry these duties into effect: 

8th. Each District Deputy Grand Master shall have 
jurisdiction of all appeals within his district, in the 
following manner, to- wit: On notice by him duly re- 
ceived of an appeal, he shall forthwith summon five 
or more officers or skilled Master Masons, to meet at 
such time and place as may be most convenient, to 
hear and determine the whole subject matter of the 
appeal, and to make report of their proceedings to 
him, the said District Deputy Grand Master, reserving 
to either party the right of final appeal to the Grand 
Lodge, upon the record. 

9th. Each District Deputy Grand Master shall visit 
every lodge in his district at least once during the 
term of his appointment; and of such intended visit he 
shall give the Master or Secretary of the lodge notice. 

10th. At every such visit the District Deputy Grand 
Master is to preside in the lodge, after it is opened 
and he is introduced. He is to examine the records 
of the lodge, and see if they are regularly kept, to in- 
form himself of the number of members, and whether 
they are generally punctual in their attendance; to in- 
quire whether the lodge be in a flourishing or a de- 
clining state; to point out any errors he may observe 



236 HARRIS' 

in their conduct or manner of working, and to use 
every effort to enforce a compliance with the Work of 
the Grand Lodge; to instruct them in every particu- 
lar wherein he may conceive them to require informa- 
tion; to recommend attention to the moral and benev- 
olent principles of our Institution; caution in the ad- 
mission of candidates, and a punctual representation 
of their lodge at every meeting of the Grand Lodge. 

11th . When any District Deputy Grand Master shall 
discover, either in his own district or in any other part 
of the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, any Masonic 
error or evil, whether it appertain to an individual or 
to a lodge, he shall immediately endeavor, by Masonic 
means, to arrest its progress; and if he shall judge it 
to be expedient, he is forthwith to forward to the 
Grand Master or Grand Secretary full information of 
the whole subject. 

12th. The several District Deputy Grand Masters 
are authorized and required to receive the whole pro- 
perty belonging to any dormant or extinct lodge; and 
except in cases where a different disposition has been 
made, or may hereafter be made, in relation to any 
part or the whole thereof, to forward to the Grand 
Secretary the several Charters, Jewels, Seals, Books, 
Papers, Floor Cloths, &c, and to sell the other furni- 
ture and personal property of such extinct or dormant 
lodge, and account for the proceeds to the Grand Lodge. 

13th. Previously to every annual meeting of the 
Grand Lodge, every District Deputy Grand Master 
shall, so far as is proper to be done, make out in writ- 
ing a candid and faithful report of the state of each 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 237 

lodge in his district, and forward it to the Grand Sec- 
retary, to be laid before the Grand Lodge; and such 
report shall be read to the Grand Lodge during the 
session; and on failure to send said report, shall be 
ineligible to reappointment. 

14th. In the Grand Lodge, the District Deputy 
Grand Masters, who are not officers or representatives 
thereof, shall sit as a distinct body, and in all ques- 
tions shall have one vote collectively. 

15th. It is recommended to all the Subordinate 
Lodges under this jurisdiction, to pay all the neces- 
ary expenses of their District Deputy Grand Masters, 
while in the discharge of their official duties. 

CHAPTEE XV. 

OF THE ELECTION AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS OF THE 
GRAND LODGE. 

SECTION I. 

Of the Election of the Grand Officers generally. 

1st. The election of all the officers of the Grand 
Lodge shall take place by ballot on the second evening 
of every Grand Annual Communication, and shall have 
the priority of all other business of that evening, the 
minutes of the Grand Master's proceedings during the 
recess having been previously read. 

2d. In ail cases of election of officers, the suffrages 
of a majority of all the members present who are en- 
titled to vote, shall be necessary to constitute a pro- 
per election. 

3d. All these elections shall be for one year, and 
until another election shall be made; nevertheless, the 



238 HARRIS' 

Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master and Grand 
Wardens, may be elected for two years successively, 
and the other Grand Officers as often as may be the 
pleasure of the Grand Lodge. 

4th. Every member of this Grand Lodge shall, with 
the precediug limitations, be eligible to any office 
therein, and may be elected whether he be present or 
absent. 

5th. Election to an office in the Grand Lodge shall 
be no cause for disqualification from holding an office 
in a subordinate lodge. 

SECTION II. 
Of the Grand Master. 

1st. The Presiding Officer shall request the Grand 
Lodge to nominate some skilful brother or brethren 
for the office of Grand Master. Should there be only 
one member in nomination, it shall be the indispensa- 
ble duty of the Most Worshipful to nominate one other 
in opposition, with this exception, that if the present 
Grand Master is again eligible, and willing to serve 
another year, he shall instruct his Deputy to nominate 
the candidate in opposition. 

2d. The Grand Master, if eligible, shall be at all 
times in nomination. 

3d. The members shall then prepare their ballots for 
one of the brethren in nomination, to X/6 collected by 
one of the Grand Deacons, or by the Tellers appointed 
for the purpose, when the Grand Master shall instruct 
the Tellers to examine the ballots and report to him 
in writing the number of votes in favor of each cau- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 239 

didate, and he shall immediately cause the brother hav- 
ing the greatest number of votes to be thrice pro- 
claimed aloud by the Grand Secretary, Grand Mas- 
ter of Masons. 

4th. The Presiding Officer shall then cause the 
Grand Master elect to be conducted to the chair, and 
after introducing him to the members as a skilful 
and faithful brother, shall proceed to invest him with 
the badge of his office, and install him in due form; 
upon which all the members shall salute him accord- 
ing tb the ancient customs of Masons. 

SECTION III. 

Of the Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, &c. 

1st. The Grand Master-elect shall next nominate 
some skilful brother for the office of Deputy Grand 
Master, and the Grand Lodge shall nominate one or 
more in opposition, and the members having the 
greatest number of votes shall be declared duly 
elected, and shall in like manner be introduced, in- 
stalled, and saluted by the brethren. 

2d. In like manner shall the Grand Lodge proceed 
in the election of the Grand Wardens, and all the re- 
maining officers. 

SECTION IV. 

Of the Grand Secretary and his Deputy . 

1st. The office of Grand Secretary is of very great 
importance in the Grand Lodge, from the variety and 
multiplicity of business committed to his care, and 
from the learning, abilities and attention necessary 
for the proper management of it. 



240 HARRIS' 

2d. All the proceedings of the Grand Lodge are to 
be drawn into form and recorded by him. 

3d. All petitions from new lodges, applications and 
appeals, are to pass through his hands; and no Char- 
ter or other instrument of writing is authentic without 
his attestation, and affixing the Grand Lodge Seal. 

4th. As, soon as possible after each Grand Annual 
Communication, he is to transmit to each lodge three 
copies of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, a list 
of contributions paid to the Grand Lodge, and ac- 
curate lists of the officers, Past Masters and Members 
of every lodge in the jurisdiction. 

5th. The general correspondence with lodges, and 
with brethren throughout the world, is to be con- 
ducted by him, agreeably to the voice of the Grand 
Lodge, and the instructions of the Grand Master. 

6th. The Grand Secretary, by virtue of his office, 
shall be a member of the Grand Lodge, and have a 
right to vote along with the Grand Officers in all cases, 

7th. He shall also have the right of appointing his 
own Deputy or Assistant, who must be a Master Ma- 
son ; but such Deputy shall not by virtue of that ap- 
pointment, be a member of the Grand Lodge. 

SECTION V. 

Of the Grand Treasurer and his Assistant. 

1st. To the Grand Treasurer is committed the care 
of the moneys raised for General Charity and other 
uses of the Grand Lodge, an account of which he is 
regularly to enter in a book, with the respective pur- 
poses for which the several sums are intended. He 
is likewise to disburse the same on legal orders, and 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK, 241 

to keep an accurate account .of his disbursements; 
and as compensation for his services shall be allowed 
two per centum commission on all moneys which may 
come into his hands as Grand Treasurer. 

2d. The Grand Treasurer or his Assistant, shall 
always be present in the Grand Lodge, and ready when 
required, to attend the Grand Master and other offi- 
cers, with his books for inspection, as well as any 
Grand Committee that may be appointed, for examin- 
ing and adjusting his accounts. 

3d. The Grand Treasurer shall receive in payment 
of annual contributions, all sums that may be offered 
by the subordinate lodges: and if in notes of chartered 
banks, any loss should be thereby sustained, he shall 
charge the same to the Grand Lodge. 

4th. He shall regularly render his accounts, up to 
the close of each Annual Communication, and he 
shall also open and keep an account against the Grand 
Secretary, in which he shall charge him with all fees 
for Charters, Diplomas, &c, 

5th. The Grand Treasurer shall be a member of 
the Grand Lodge, and shall vote with the Grand 
Officers. 

6th. He shall have the right to appoint an assistant, 
who must be a Master Mason ; but such assistant 
shall not thereby be a member of the Grand Lodge. 
SECTION VI. 

OP THE COMMITTEES. 

Of the Committee of Correspondence. 
A Committee of Fraternal Correspondence, consist- 
ing of five members, shall be appointed annually by the 



242 HARRIS' 

Grand Master during- the sitting 1 of the Grand Lodge, 
whose duty it shall be during the recess of each 
Grand Annual Communication, to peruse, and when 
in the opinion of said Committee it may be necessary, 
to answer any communication which may from time 
to time be addressed to this Grand Lodge by other 
Grand Lodges; and the said Committee is hereby re- 
quired to make report of their proceedings at every 
Grand Annual Communication succeeding its said 
appointment. This Committee shall also review such 
proceedings of the Grand Lodges as may come to 
them. 

Of the Committee on Work. 

At each Grand Annual Communication, a Commit- 
tee of eight members shall be appointed by the Grand 
Master, to be called the "Working Committee;" whose 
duty it shall be, to attend on the Annual Communica- 
tion if required by the Grand Lodge, or Grand Mas- 
ter, and to exemplify to any brother or brethren 
wishing it, the three degrees of Masonry. 

Of the other Committees. 

1. A Committee on Grievances and Appeals, to 
consist of seven, whose duties shall commence at the 
close of the Grand Annual Communication at which 
they are appointed, and continue until the close of 
the next succeeding Grand Annual Communication, 
and that they have power to sit during the recess. 

2d. A Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence which 
shall pass upon such matters as may be referred to it. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 243 

SECTION VII. 

Of the Grand Deacons. 

1st. The Grand Deacons are members of the Grand 
Lodge. 

2d. Their duty is principally to assist the Grand 
Master and Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, in 
conducting the business of the Grand Lodge. 

SECTION VIII. 

Of the Grand Tiler and Grand Pursuivant. 

1st. The Grand Tiler and Grand Pursuivant must 
be intelligent Master Masons. But neither of them 
is by virtue of his office, a member of the Grand 
Lodge. 

2d. The Grand Tiler's duty is to attend at the out- 
side of the Hall door, and to take care that none but 
members or visitors duly authorized, shall enter; and 
not even members or visitors while the body is in 
session, without first reporting them through the 
Grand Pursuivant, and receiving the Grand Master's 
permission. 

3d. The Grand Tiler is also to summon the mem- 
bers on any special emergency, by order of the Grand 
Master or his Deputy, signified to him under the 
signature of the Grand Secretary or his Clerk. 

4th. The business of the Grand Pursuivant is to at- 
tend withinside the door of the Grand Lodge, and to 
report from the Grand Tiler the names of all brethren 
applying for admission. He is also to carry messages 
while the Grand Lodge is open, and to perform sun- 
dry other services, only known in the Grand Lodge. 



*CODE OF BY-LAWS 

FOR THE 

GOVERNMENT OF A LODGE. 



ARTICLE I. 

OF THE MEETINGS OF THE LODGE. 

The Stated Meetings of Lodge, No. , shall be held 

on the evening in each month: on the Festivals of 

St. John the Baptist, and St. John the Evangelist; and on 
the eve of St. John the Baptist, for the installation of officers. 

ARTICLE II. 

OF THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 

Section 1. The officers of the lodge shall be chosen by bal- 
lot, at the stated meeting preceding the Feast of St. John 
the Baptist, in every year, and shall be installed on the eve 
of that Festival. 

Sec. 2. Before the election of officers takes place, the list of 
delinquents shall be called over; and no member who may 

be in arrears to the lodge, to the amount of $ , shall be 

entitled to hold an office, ballot or vote in any case whatever. 

Sec. 3. No brother holding an office in any other Subordi- 
nate Lodge, the Tiler and Secretary excepted,) shall be elig- 
ible to any office in this Lodge. 

ARTICLE III. 

OF SOME PARTICULAR DUTIES. 

Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Master at every meet- 



*This form is inserted as a guide and for the benefit of new lodges that 
may be engaged in preparing thereby a Code of By-Laws for their govern- 
ment. 



246 # HARRIS' 

ing, when time will admit of it, to give the brethren the 
benefit of a lecture in one of the degrees. 

Sec. 2. The Treasurer shall keep a regular account of all re- 
ceipts and disbursements, and shall make a report every 
quarter, or at such other times as the lodge or the W. M. may 
direct. 

Sec. 3. The Secretary shall collect the introductory fee for 
each degree, and shall acknowledge himself satisfied in this 
respect, before any degree shall be conferred. 

Sec. 4. The Secretary, on application, shall furnish any 
member of this lodge with a certificate of standing, provided 
the said member shall have paid all dues to the date. 

Sec. 5. The Stewards shall provide such refreshments as 
the Master or Presiding Warden shall direct; provided that 
the expenses of the lodge for any one meeting, all things in- 
cluded, (except the Tiler's fee and occasional charges for mu- 
sic,) shall not exceed $ ; and provided, that this law shall 

not interfere with the right of individuals at called meetings 
to provide such refreshments as they may judge necessary. 

Sec. 6. The Livery of the lodge shall be white aprons and 
gloves, and it shall be the duty of the Tiler to see that every 
brother is properly clothed before he enters the lodge. 

Sec. 7. Any brother who may wish to speak on any subject, 
shall rise and address the Worshipful Master in due form, 
and no brother shall be allowed to speak more than twice on 
any subject, without leave. 

Sec. 8. No brother shall absent himself from the lodge af- 
ter having taken his seat, without leave from the Worshipful 
Master. 

Sec. 9. No initiaton shall take place on the evening of the 
annual election, unless the candidate be about to travel. 

Sec. 10. Any member wishing to obtain a Grand Lodge 
Diploma, shall make application to the lodge in person or by 
proxy; and if he has paid all lodge dues he shall obtain a 
certificate signed by the Master and attested by the the Sec- 
retary, with the seal of the lodge attached thereto, setting 
forth his good Masonic character. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. %H 

CHAPTER IV. 

OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND BALLOTING. 

Section 1. No brother shall be recommended as a candidate 
for membership to this lodge, unless he is a person whose 
character is well known to the generality of the members. 

Sec. 2. Every candidate for initiation must possess the re- 
quisites specified in the Book of Constitutions; must have re- 
sided in the State of Virginia for one year, and in the City of 
, or Connty of , twelve months, and must be re- 
commended by petition in writing, signed by himself, and 
seconded by two members of the lodge, at a Stated Meeting, 
and shall stand recommended one month, (except in cases of 
emergency,) after which time he shall be balloted for. 

Sec. 3. Every member who recommends a candidate for 
Initiation, shall deposit dollars in the hands of the Sec- 
retary, the said dollars to be returned if the candidate 

be rejected; if he be received and initiated, it shall be con- 
sidered as part of his Initiation Fee; but if he be received 

and do not apply to be initiated within months, it 

shall be forfeited to the Charity Fund. 

Sec. i. Every member who recommends a candidate for 

membership, shall deposit dollars in the hands of the 

Secretary at the time: the said dollars to be returned if 

he be rejected; but if he be received, it shall constitute the 
fee for membership. 

Sec. 5. The mode of recommending and balloting for 
brethren who may wish to become members of this lodge, 
shall, in every respect, (except the petition and fee) be the 
same as in recommending candidates for Initiation. 

Sec. 6. Every candidate for Membership or Initiation, 
after having been regularly recommended, shall be balloted 
for and disposed of by the lodge. 

Sec. 7. In balloting for a candidate, one black ball shall 
reject him, and, when rejected, he shall not be again eligible 
for twelve months. 

Sec. 8. Each person Initiated, Passed and Raised in this 



248 HAERIS' 

lodge, shall be permitted to declare himself a member hereof 
without the fee for membership. 

ARTICLE V. 

OF FEES AND EXPENSES. 

Section 1. Every member, except the Secretary and Tiler, 

shall pay into the funds of the Treasury dollars per 

annum, in monthly payments. 

Sec. 2. The Fee for Initiation shall be dollars; for 

Passing dollars; and for Raising dollars. 

Sec. 3. The expenses attending any extraordinary or called 
meeting, shall be defrayed by the person or persons for whose 
convenience or benefit the meeting may be called. 

Sec. 4. The Tiler, as a compensation for his services, shall 

receive dollars for every meeting, and the Secretary 

dollars. 

Sec. 5. The fee for membership shall be dollars, and 

shall constitute a contribution to the Charity Fund of that 
amount. 

Sec. 6. Should any member absent himself from the Lodge 
for twelve months successively, or be in arrears to the Lodge 
to the amount of dollars, he shall be summoned to ap- 
pear at the next regular meeting to show cause why he should 
not be suspended therefor. 

ARTICLE VI. 

OF COMMITTEES. 

Section 1. In the appointment of all committees the Mas- 
ter shall have the right to nominate two members, after 
which the lodge may nominate as many others as they may 
think proper. 

Sec. 2. A Standing Committee shall be appointed after 
every annual election to examine the Treasurer's and Secre- 
tary's accounts, who shall report the condition thereof at 
the next Stated Meeting. 

Sec. 3. The Master and Wardens, or any two of them, shall 
be a Committee of Charity, for the relief of transient breth- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 249 

ren in distress, and shall report their proceedings at the Sta- 
ted Meeting in May. 

ARTICLE VII. 

OF VISITORS. 

Every brother of good standing and of regular habits, is 
at liberty to visit this lodge once, free of expense, but on the 
second visit, (unless he be a contributing member of a lodge), 

he is to pay, for the use of the lodge, cents, which it 

shall be the duty of the Tiler to collect, except when such 
visitor be invited by a member of this lodge. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

OF WITHDRAWALS. 

Any member may withdraw himself from the lodge on pay- 
ing all dues and giving notice to the lodge, either personally 
or by proxy, but no member shall be considered as having 
regularly withdrawn himself until he has complied with this 
article. 

ARTICLE IX. 

OF THE BY-LAWS. 

Section 1. Whoever may wish to introduce a new law, or 
alter an existing one, shall at a Stated Meeting, hand up the 
said law or alteration, in writing; if it be then seconded, it 
shall be audibly read by the Secretary, and lie over till the 
next Stated Meeting, and then be submitted to the deter- 
mination of the brethren present. 

Sec. 2. Whoever may wish to introduce a general revision 
of these By-Laws, shall, at a Stated meeting, hand up a writ- 
ten notice thereof, which shall, if the majority agree thereto, 
lie over until the next Stated Meeting, and then be deter- 
mined on by the brethren present. 

Sec. 3. Every member shall be furnished with a printed 
copy of these By-Laws at the expense of the lodge. 

Sec. 4. These laws shall go into operation from the passage 
thereof, and all laws heretofore passed are hereby repealed. 



Masonic Trials 



In works on Masonic Jurisprudence the subject of 
trials of those who are charged with masonic offences 
is considered more elaborately and under many more 
heads than we can possibly give to the subject in a 
work of the scope and nature of our Text-Book. In 
these elaborate works the subject is considered under 
the heads of the offence; the tribunal; the jurisdiction; 
the charge; the answer; the proofs; the argument; the 
deliberation; the judgment and the penalty: each one 
of which is given full and free consideration in separ- 
ate Chapters, in which each subject is expatiated upon 
at great length. In the present instance we will pre- 
sume that every mason who may elect to allege a 
charge against a brother and craftsman is satisfied 
that a masonic offence has been committed, and that 
he knows that the burden of presenting proofs in sup- 
port of his charge to the tribunal which shall sit in 
judgment upon the case rests upon him. And as ma- 
sons observe the well established principle of the old 
Hebrew law that if a false charge be brought against 
another, and cannot be established, that the accuser 
shall have meted out to him the same punishment 
which would have been visited upon the party who 
was charged with the offence, had it been proven — 
it is evident that no brother should ever make an ac- 



252 HARRIS' 

cusation against his fellow until he is satisfied he can 
establish the truth as charged. 

In the conduct of a masonic trial it should be con- 
stantly borne in mind that the one object in view is 
the acquisition of truth,, and the establishment of the 
correctness or the falsity of the charges. Therefore, 
every part of the investigation is to be conducted in 
the simplest and the least technical manner; in that 
manner which while it enables the lodge to obtain a 
thorough knowledge of all the facts iu the case, at the 
same time does not fail to protect and observe the 
rights and privileges of the accused as well as the Or- 
der. The rules by which such trials are conducted 
are not hard to understand and are as follows : 

1st. The charge, or every portion thereof which is 
proper to be writteo, should be made in writing, and 
should set out with clearness and precision the nature 
of the offence ; and in the specifications should indi- 
cate the time and place and particulars of the crime, 
audits commission ; as well as the persons concerned, 
or by whom the charges are to be proven. This is 
necessary, since every defendant is entitled to know 
definitely the nature and substance of the accusation 
against him, that he may prepare for his defence. 

The following is a clear and concise 

FORM OF CHARGES. 

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren 

of Lodge, No , Ancient Free and Accepted 

Masons. 

Brother A. B., a Master Mason (or F. C, or E. A.) 
of (here state the residence, membership, affiliation, 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 253 

non-affiliation, or other Masonic standing of the ac- 
cused), is hereby charged with unmasonic conduct, in 
this — to-wit: 

Specification 1 — That the said A. JS., on the day 

of... , A. L. 59... , at (village or city) of 

in the county of. ... , State of . . . , did violently 

assault and strike Brother C. D. (Or state what was 
done.) 

Specification 2 — That the said A. B., on the day and 
at the place aforesaid, did speak and use toward the 
said Brother C. D., the following scandalous and in- 
sulting language, to-wit : (here set out the words used.) 

Specification 3 — That the said A. B., on the day and 
at the place aforesaid, did, in presence and hearing of 
several persons, speak and utter, of and concerning 
the said Brother C. D., the following slanderous and 
malicious words, to-wit : (here set out the words), and 

that the persons referred to herein were , > 

and . 

All of which acts of the said A. B. were in violation of 
his duties and obligations as a Mason, and to the in- 
jury of the said C. D., as well as to the scandal and 
disgrace of the Masonic fraternity ; wherefore it is 
demanded that the said A. B. be put upon trial there- 
for, and dealt with according to Masonic law and 
usage. 

In witness whereof the undersigned has signed the 

foregoing charge at , this - . Day of . . A. L. 

59... C. ...D.... 

If the charges are introduced by either fo the War- 
dens, by direction of the lodge, they should sign them 
in their official capacity. 



254 HARRIS' 

All names should be written in full. Specifications 
should be added for each separate state of facts con- 
stituting a Masonic offence, with reasonable certainty 
as to time, place, and other particulars. 

FORMS OF SPECIFICATIONS OF VARIOUS OFFENCES. 

Drunkeiiness 1 — That the said A. B., on the day 

of ... , A. L. 59 , at , in the of State 

of . . ., was in a state of gross intoxication, from the 
intemperate use of intoxicating and spirituous liquors. 

2. — That the said A. B., on the. . . .day of . . . . , A. 
L. 59 . . . , at . . • • , in the county of. ... , State of ... , 

and for a long time previous thereto — to-wit, for 

years last past, and at divers other places in the said 
county anc\ state, and notwithstanding the frequent 
warnings and admonitions of the officers and brethren 
of this Lodge — was addicted to the excessive use of 
intoxicating liquors, and to the evil habit of frequent 
and gross intoxication and druukenness. 

Theft — That the said A. B., on the... day of...., 
A. L. 59 .... at ... in the county of. ... , state of . . , did 
wilfully steal and take from Brother C. D. (or Mr. C. 
D.) of. ... , twenty dollars in money. (If the theft be 
of other property than money, describe the property.) 

Fraud — That the said A. B . on the ... clay of. ... , 
A. L. 59 . . • , in the county of . . . , state of . . . , did 
wilfully cheat, wrong, and defraud Brother C. D. by 
making to said C. D. certain false and fraudulent rep- 
resentations concerning a certain horse which he 
then and there sold to the said C. D., and which the 
said C. D. was by means of said false representations 
then and there induced to buy, and to pay therefor a 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 255 

large sum of money — to-wit, the sum of one hundred 
dollars; which representations were, that the said 
horse was sound, true, and kind, when in fact the said 
horse was not such, as the said A. B. well knew. 

[When charges are preferred for violation of any 
provision of the Constitution or By-Laws, the article 
or section violated should be specified particularly as 
well as the facts of the violation.] 

The charges and specifications having been written 
out fully as above and being signed by the accuser, 
must be delivered to the Secretary of the lodge. The 
papers delivered thus to the Secretary, are not his 
private property ; but, he receives them as a sacred 
trust, and in custody until the lodge convenes in a re- 
gular communication. After having been once de- 
livered to the Secretary they are not to depart out of 
his custody until they are read to the lodge. The 
first regular communication after the receipt of 
charges is the one at which they should be read, and 
be submitted to the lodge for its action. If received 
by a vote of the lodge, a date should be set for the 
trial. The first step in the proceeding being com- 
pleted, the Secretary enacts the next. 

2nd. A true copy of the charges and specifications, 
attested by the Secretary of the lodge, and accompa- 
nied by a summons to appear and answer at the regu- 
lar communication set for the trial shall be served 
upon the accused. The duty of serving these papers 
is entrusted to the Secretary ; but it is usually per^ 
formed by one of the appointed officers of the lodge, 
who is generally the Tiler. This is the method of pro- 
cedure where personal service can be effected ; but 



256 HARRIS' 

if the accused is living beyond the geographical juris- 
diction of the lodge, or if service is impracticable in 
any other manner a summons accompanied by a copy 
of the charges should be mailed to the usual or last 
known post-office address of the accused by regis- 
tered letter. 

The following will be found a useful 

FORM OF SUMMONS. 

To Brother A. B., of 

You are hereby summoned to appear at the regular 
communication of . . . .Lodge, No.. - , of Ancient Free 
and Accepted Masons, to be held at its lodge room 
at. . . . , in the. . . .of . . , state of . . ., on the. . . dav 
of . . , A, L. 59 . . . , at - . - o'clock P. M., then and 
there to make answer to the charges and specifica- 
tions now on file against you in said Lodge, a true 
copy of which charges and specifications is hereto 
annexed. 

Dated at ..., A. L. 59... 
By Order of the Lodge, 
(&£?) E F .Secretary. 

-J of the I 
(lodge ) 

The service of the summons and copy of charges 
should be made directly after the meeting at which 
they are ordered. The usual practice is to see that 
they are received by the accused at least ten days be- 
fore the date set for the trial. 

For the information of the lodge, which is the tri- 
bunal before whom the charges are to be examined 
into, and each member of which sits as one of a bench 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 257 

of judges in a trial court, there should be returned a 
certificate, setting out the facts that the accused has 
been furnished a copy of the charges against him, and 
a summons to appear and make answer thereto. 
Here is a form of such 

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE. 

I, G. H-, do hereby certify that on the . . . day of. ... , 

A. L. 59 . . . • , at '. . . . , in the of , state of. ... , 

I served personally (or at his last known place of 
residence) upon Brother A. B. a true copy of the 
charges and specifications filed against him in ... . 
Lodge, No. . ., of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, 
on the .... day of , A. L. 59 . . , by C. D., accompa- 
nied by the summons of said Lodge, under the seal 
thereof, requiring him to appear and answer said 
charges and specifications at the regular communica- 
tion of said Lodge, to be held on the. . . .day of . . . ., 
A. L. 59... 

Dated ...A. L. 59... 

G H.. ...... 

Secretary or Tiler. 

[The officer making the foregoing certificate should 
sign it in his official capacity.] 

3rd. The answer — The charges having been re- 
ceived by the accused, it is his privilege to make ans- 
wer to the same. In this paper he may deny his guilt 
entirely or plead not guilty \ or he may admit the cor- 
rectness of the charges in part or plead guilty to cer- 
tain specifications, while he denies or pleads not guilty 
to others ; or he may admit the charges as made and 
may set up extenuating or justifiable reasons for his 



258 HARRIS' 

acts ; or lastly, he may deny the jurisdiction of the 
lodge, i, e. he may set up a plea against the right of the 
lodge to try him ; or he may question the validity or 
the regularity of the charges. In any event the ans- 
wer should be in writing and should be filed by the 
accused or his counsel, as his first step in the case, the 
other movements in the case having been made by 
the accuser and the lodge. 

The following forms will be useful as guides in the 
preparation of an answer to charges of masonic mis- 
conduct : 

FORM OF DENIAL OF JURISDICTION. 

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren 
of. - . .Lodge, No . . . , of Ancient Free and Accepted 
Masons. 

In the matter of the charges and specifications in- 
troduced in said Lodge on the. . - .day of . . . , A. L. 
59.. ., by C D., against A. B., comes the said A. B. 
in person (or by Y. Z. his counsel), and denies the 
jurisdiction of said Lodge in the premises, for the 
following reasons, to-wit: 

1. Because the said A. B. did not, at the time of the 
introduction of said charges and specifications, reside 
within the territorial jurisdiction of said lodge ; 
neither was he at that time a member of said lodge. 

2. Because the acts alleged in said charges and 
specifications, if they were ever committed by the said 
A. B., were committed before his initiation in any 
lodge of Masons. 

Wherefore the said A. B. requests that the said 
charges and specifications be dismissed, and that he 
be excused from answering thereto. 

Dated ...,A. L. 59... A B. ...M. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 259 

[Or other facts which would defeat the jurisdiction 
should be alleged in like manner. Upon the filing- of 
such denial of jurisdiction, it is the privilege of the 
accused to introduce any proper proofs of the facts 
therein alleged ; after which the lodge should either 
sustain the question of jurisdiction or dismiss the 
case, as Masonic law and usage may require.] 

FORM OF DENIAL OF VALIDITY OR REGULARITY OF THE 
CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS. 

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren 

of •.. . Lodge, No , of Ancient Free and Accepted 

Masons. 

In the matter of the charges and specifications in- 
troduced in said Lodge on the... day of .. , A. L. 
59. . . , by C. D., against A. B., comes the said A. B. 
in person (or by Y. Z. his counsel), and denies the 
validity and regularity of said charges and specifica- 
tions, for the following reasons — to-wit: 

1. Because the acts alleged in the said charges and 
specifications are of a purely sectarian (or political) 
character, and do not in themselves constitute a Ma- 
sonic offence. 

2. Because the time (or place, or both) of the commis- 
sion of the acts alleged is not set forth in said charges 
and specifications with reasonable distinctness. 

Wherefore the said A. B. requests that the said 
charges and specifications be dismissed, and that he 
be excused from further answering thereto. 

Dated..., A. L. 59... 

A B 

[Asunder the former denial, the accused will submit 



260 HARRIS' 

proofs, and will present any other reason for his denial 
of the regularity of the charges of any matters of fact 
therein alleged,] 

ANSWER OF "NOT GUILTY." 

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren 
of . . .Lodge, No.. ., of Ancient Free and Accepted 
Masons. 

In the matter of the charges and specifications in- 
troduced in said Lodge on the. . . .day of . . . , A. L. 
59. . , by C. D., against A. B., comes the said A. B. 
in person (or by Y. Z. bis counsel), and says that he 
is not guilty of the said charges and specifications, 
nor of any of them. 

Dated. .., A. L. 59.. . 

A B 

The answer of "guilty" is similar to the above, 
simply substituting the word guilty for not guilty, and 
omitting the words "nor of any of them." 

ANSWER OF "GUILTY" AS TO A PART, AND "NOT 
GUILTY" AS TO ANOTHER PART. 

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren 
of . ..Lodge, No.. ., of Ancient Free and Accepted 
Masons. 

In the matter of the charges and specifications in- 
troduced in said Lodge on the ... day of . . . , A. L. 
59. .. , by C, D., against A. B., comes the said A. B. 
in person (or by Y. Z. his counsel), and answers as 
follows — namely : 

As to specification first, he says that he is guilty. 

As to specification second, he says that he is not 
guilty. 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 261 

As to specification third, he says that he is not 
guilty. 

Dated-. , A. L. 59... 

A B 

[The next form admitting the facts charged in the 
form of charges given on page 252-'3, needs to be read 
in connection with the said form of charges to be cor- 
rectly understood — for while it admits the charges, it 
at the same time justifies the acts.] 

ANSWER ADMITTING THE FACTS CHARGED, AND SETTING 
UP OTHER FACTS IN JUSTIFICATION AND EXTENUATION. 

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren 

of Lodge, No , of Ancient Free and Accepted 

Masons. 

In the matter of the charges and specifications in- 
troduced in said Lodge on the. . . .day of. ... , A. L. 
59. .. , by C. D., against A. B., comes the said A. B. 
in person (or by Y. Z. his counsel), and answers as 
follows —namely : 

As to specification first, he admits that he did as- 
sault and strike the said C. D.; but he alleges that he 
did the same in necessary defence of his own person 
(family or property), the said C. D. having then and 
there first assaulted him ; and he further alleges that 
he used no more force than was necessary to repel 
the injury which the said C. D. then and there at- 
tempted against him. (Here insert any other material 
facts in justification.) 

As to specification second, he admits that he did use 
toward the said C. D. the words therein specified; but 
he alleges that he was greatly provoked thereto by 



262 HARRIS' 

violent and abusive language then and there used to- 
ward him by the said C. D., which language was as 
follows : (Here set forth the language, and any other 
other material facts in extenuation.) 

As to specification third, he says that he is not 
guilty. 

Dated . . , A. L. 59 . . . 

A B 

The answer having been filed ; and if it raises an 
issue as to the right of the lodge's jurisdiction in the 
case or as to the validity of the charges ; and if the 
lodge sustains these objections the charges will be 
dismissed. But if the objections are over-ruled the 
trial will proceed as follows : 

1st. The lodge will be opened in the regular form. 

2nd. The W. M. will state the object of the meeting. 

3rd. Counsel will be recognized or appointed. 

4th. The Charge will be read and counsel will briefly 
state what he expects to prove. 

5th. The Answer will be read and counsel will state 
his line of defence. 

6th. Testimony will be introduced against the ac- 
cused. 

7th. Testimony will be introduced in favor of the 
accused. 

8th. The Argument follows : Usually this first by 
counsel for the accuser and then by the accused's 
counsel, each opening and presenting their case, and 
making such closing arguments as may be mutually 
agreed upon. 

9th. Deliberation and Judgment. After the argu- 
ments have been concluded the accused and the ac- 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 263 

cuser and their counsel, (and if the lodge so orders, 
which is quite proper) all visitors are required to leave 
the lodge room. And at this stage of the proceedings 
the question of the guilt or innocence of the accused, 
the character of the testimony, and any other phase 
of, or matter touching the case may be discussed fully 
and freely by each member of the lodge. This is the 
most important step in the proceedings; and every 
fact, interest, and principle involved should be de- 
liberately canvassed, and every brother should dis- 
tinctly comprehend the issue in all its bearings. When 
this is accomplished the lodge is ready to vote upon 
the guilt or innocence of the accused. Every member 
should vote on the question of whether he be guilty 
or not. If by this vote he be found not guilty, the 
case is terminated. But, if he be found guilty, there 
is another very important step in the case. 

10th. The penalty. The vote on this question fol- 
lows directly upon the finding of the accused guilty. 
And, as there are only three penalties known to Ma- 
sonic jurisprudence, the vote is taken upon the ques- 
tion in the following order, beginning with the highest 
and descending to the lowest until the necessary vote 
is given to declare the sentence : 

1st, Expulsion ; 2nd, Indefinite Suspension ; 3rd, 
Definite Suspension ; 4th, Reprimand. 

With the fixing of the Penalties the case closes ; 
unless an appeal be taken. 



The Funeral Service. 



No man can be interred with the formalities of the 
Order unless he has been raised to the degree of a 
Master Mason ; nor unless he has previously express- 
ed a desire that the service of the Order shall be per- 
formed for him. 

As no Entered Apprentice nor Fellow Craft can be 
buried with the ceremonies of the Order, neither are 
they permitted to walk in the processions which are 
formed to perform this function. 

All brethren who join in the procession on such oc- 
casions should wear black suits of clothes, black neck- 
ties and white aprons and gloves. 

The brethren having assembled at the lodge room 
or such other suitable place as may be selected : the 
presiding officer will open the lodge on the third or 
Master's degree. 

The object of the speciaHneeting is stated from the 
chair, after which the following order of service is 
gone through with : 

Master. What man is he that liveth and shall not 
see death ? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand 
of the grave ? 

Response. Man walketh in a vain shadow, he heap- 
eth up riches and cannot tell who shall gather them. 



266 HARRIS' 

Master. When he dieth, he shall carry nothing 1 
away; his glory shall not descend after him. 

Response. Naked he came into the world and naked 
he must return. 

Master. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken 
away, blessed be the name of the Lord. 

(The Master, then taking the Roll in his hand, re- 
cords the name, age and date of death of the deceased 
and says :) 

Let us live and die like the righteous that our last 
end may be like his. 

Response. God is our God forever and ever ; He will 
be our guide unto death. 

Master. Almighty Father ! in Thy hands we leave 
with humble submission the soul of our deceased 
brother. 

(The brethren answer three times — giving the Grand 
honors each time :) 

The will of God is accomplished ! So mote it be — 
Amen ! 

(The Master then passes the Roll to the Secretary, 
who deposits it in the Archives, and the following 
prayer is repeated :) 

Chaplain. Most glorious God! author of all good 
and giver of all mercy, pour down Thy blessing upon 
us, and strengthen our solemn engagements with the 
ties of sincere affection. May the present instance 
of mortality remind us of our approaching fate, and 
draw our attention towards Thee, the only refuge in 
time of need ! This we ask in Jesus name. Amen ! 

A procession is then formed, which moves to the 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 267 

house of the deceased, and from thence to the place 
of interment, in the following order : 

ORDER OF PROCESSION. 

Band of Music ; 

Tiler with a drawn Sword ; 

Stewards with white Rods ; 

Master Masons; 

Past Masters ; 

Senior and Junior Deacons; 

Secretary and Treasurer ; 
Senior and Junior Wardens; 
The Holy Bible on a cushion covered with black 
crepe, and carried by the Chaplain of the lodge; 
The Master supported by two Deacons; 



The body with the / \ Insignia thereon ; 



Pall Bearers ; / Pall Bearers 



Relatives and Mourners. 

When the procession arrives near the place of in- 
terment, the whole halts, and opening to the right 
and left, six feet apart, face inwards and uncover their 
heads, while the Body is borne by the Pall Bearers 
through the procession, which then moves on in in- 
verse order, and having arrived at the grave, the 



268 HARRIS' 

members of the Lodge form a circle around the grave, 
the Clergyman and Officers of the Lodge taking their 
stations at the head of the grave, and the mourners 
at the foot. The service is then resumed, the Coffin 
placed over the grave, and the following exhortation 
is given : 

Master — From time immemorial it has been the cus- 
tom among Free and Accepted Masons, at the request 
of a brother, to accompany his corpse to the place of 
interment, and there to deposit his remains with the 
usual formalities. 

In conformity to this usage, and at the request of 
our deceased brother, whose memory we revere, and 
whose loss we now deplore, we have assembled in the 
character of Masons to offer up to his memory before 
the world, the last tribute of our affections, thereby 
demonstrating the sincerity of our past esteem, and 
our steady attachment to the principles of the Order. 

My Brethren : 

Here we view a striking instance of the uncer- 
tainty of life and the vanity of all human pursuits. 
The last offices paid to the dead are only useful as les- 
sons to the living ; from them we are to derive instruc- 
tion, and to consider every solemnity of this kind as 
a summons to prepare for our dissolution. 

Notwithstanding the various mementoes of mortal- 
ity with which we daily meet ; notwithstanding Death 
has established his empire over all the works of na- 
ture ; yet, through some unaccountable infatuation, 
we forget that we are born to die, we go on from one 
design to another, add hope to hope, and lay out 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 269 

plans for the employment of many years, till we are 
suddenly alarmed with the approach of Death. 

What are all the externals of majesty, the pride of 
wealth, or charms of beauty, when Nature has paid 
her just debt ? Fix your eyes on this last scene and 
view life stripped of her ornaments, and exposed in 
her natural meanness ; and let the present example 
excite our most serious thoughts and strengthen our 
resolutions of amendment. As life is uncertain and 
all earthly pursuits are vain, let us no longer post- 
pone the all-important concern of preparing for eter- 
nity, but embrace the happy moment, while time and 
opportunity offer, to provide against the great change, 
when all the pleasures of this world shall cease to de- 
light, and the reflections of a virtuous and holy life, 
yield the only comfort aud consolation. Thus our ex- 
pectations will not be frustrated, nor we hurried un- 
prepared into the presence of an All wise and Power- 
ful Judge, to whom the secrets of all hearts are 
known. 

Let us, while in this state of existence, support with 
propriety the character of our profession, advert to 
the nature of our solemn ties, and pursue with assidu- 
ity the sacred tenets of our Order. Then, with be- 
coming reverence, let us seek the favor of the Eternal 
God, whose goodness and power know no bounds, 
and prosecute our journey, without dread or appre- 
hension, to that far distant country from whose bourne 
no traveller returns ; then when arraigned at the Bar 
of Divine and Unbiased Justice, judgment shall be 
pronounced in our favor ; we shall receive the reward 
of our labor and virtue, and acquire the possession 



270 HARRIS' 

of an immortal inheritance, where joy flows in one 
continued stream, and no mound can check its course. 

The following invocations are then made by the 
Master : 

Master. May we profess what is good, and always 
act agreeably to our profession. 

Response. So mote it be. 

Master. May the Lord bless us and prosper us, 
and may all our good intentions be crowned with suc- 
cess. 

Response. So mote it be. 

Master. Glory be to God in the highest ; on earth 
peace and good will towards men. 

Response. So mote it be now, from henceforth and 
forever more — Amen ! 

The Apron is taken from the coffin and handed to 
the Master ; the coffin is deposited in the grave, and 
the Master, taking the Apron in his hand, says: 

This Lamb Skin, or White Leather Apron, is an 
emblem of Innocence, and the time-honored badge of 
a Free and Accepted Mason — more ancient than the 
Roman Eagle or Golden Fleece ; more honorable than 
the Star and Garter, when worthily worn. This 
emblem I now deposit in the grave of our deceased 
brother. By this we are reminded that through the 
universal dominion of death our brother has finished 
his earthly labor, and that his account now rests with 
his God. The Arm of Friendship cannot oppose the 
King of Terrors, nor the charms of Innocence elude 
his grasp. 

(The Master then takes from his pocket a white 
Glove, and holding it up to public view, says :) 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 271 

This Glove is an emblem of Innocence and a token 
of Friendship, and though death in the present in- 
stance has severed and destroyed our social connexion 
with the deceased, let us remember that it has not 
impaired or weakened our obligations to the living 1 . 

(The Glove is then deposited in the grave, and the 
Master presenting a Sprig of Evergreen, says :) 

The Evergreen is an emblem of Masonic faith in 
the immortality of the soul ; or that better part of 
man, which neither cross, accident, pain, sickness, nor 
death itself can destroy, but shall continue to bloom 
with an eternal verdure through an ever beginning to 
a never ending eternity ; and though the body of our 
deceased brother, now clothed in the habiliments of 
the dead and deposited in the silent grave, will soon 
mingle with the common mass of senseless matter, 
yet his spirit has returned to God who gave it. And 
we hope and trust hath ere this passed the portals of 
the Grand Temple of Jehovah, and before the Grand 
Tribunal of Unbiased Justice in the presence of my- 
riads of intelligent beings, received the heavenly 
plaudit of "well done, good and faithful servant, enter 
thou into life eternal." 

(The brethren then standing round the grave, sever- 
ally drop into it the Sprig of Evergreen. After which 
the public Grand Honors are given.) 

The Master then taking the Spade in his hand, 
strews earth three times on the grave, and says ; 

Unto the grave we resign the body of our deceased 
friend and brother, earth to earth, dust to dust, and 
ashes to ashes ; there to remain until the General Re- 
surrection, in favorable expectation that his immortal 



272 HARRIS' 

soul will then partake of joys which have been pre- 
pared for the righteous from the beginning of the 
world, and we pray Almighty God of His infinite 
goodness, at the dread tribunal of unbiased justice, 
to extend His saving mercy to him and all of us. and 
to crown our felicity with everlasting bliss in the ex- 
panded realms of unbounded eternity ; and this we 
beg for the honor of His holy name, to whom be 
glory now and forever. 

Response. So mote it be — Amen ! 

The whole ceremony is then concluded by the fol- 
lowing Prayer from the Chaplain : 

Almighty and Eternal God, in whom we live and 
move and have our being, and before whom all men 
must appear in the judgment day to give an account 
of their deeds in life, we who are daily exposed to the 
flying shafts of Death, and now surround the grave 
of our deceased brother, most earnestly beseech Thee 
to grant us Thy divine assistance, Oh ! merciful God, 
to redeem our misspent time ; and in the discharge 
of the important duties Thou hast assigned us in the 
erection of our moral edifice, may we have Wisdom 
from on high to direct us, Strength commensurate 
with our task to support us, and the Beauty of holi- 
ness to adorn and render all our performances ac- 
ceptable in Thy sight ; and when our work is done, 
and our bodies mingle with the mother earth, may 
our souls, disengaged from their cumbrous dust, 
flourish and bloom in eternal day, and enjoy that rest 
made perfect, which Thou hast prepared for all good 
and faithful servants, in that Spiritual House — that 



MASONIC TEXT-BOOK. 273 

Holy Temple not made with hands, eternal in the 
Heavens. Amen ! 

Response. So mote it be — Amen ! 

The Procession then returns to the place from 
whence it set out, where the necessary duties are 
complied with and the Lodge closed in due and an- 
cient form. 



INDEX TO HARRIS' TEXT-BOOK. 



PAGE. 

Abbey, Westminster — Built by Masons 27 

Abraham communicated Masonry to the Cauaanites . . 11 
Acknowledgement of Grant of Charter to Prince Hall . 64 

Adam, Not ignorant of Geometric Principles 8 

Admission to Membership 196 

Advancement 197 

African Grand Lodge of Massachusetts formed 67 

African Lodge, No. 459 — Warrant to 61 

—Prince Hal] Master of .... 62 

Ahibal, King of Tyre— beautiful city 13 

Ahiman Kezon . .... 77 

Alderman or Mayor to meet with Masonic Lodge, . ... 16 

All-Seeing Eve, The 182 

Anchor and Ark, The 184 

Ancient Charges at the Constitution of Lodges 17 

Ancient English Grand Lodge 15 

Ancient York Graud Lodge, organized 72 

Ancient York Masons 26 

Answer to Charges 257 

Answer to Charges— Form of ... . 258-261 

Antiquity of Masonry — Dr. Dove's account 10 

— Dr. Henry's account 21 

—from OldMss. and Records . . 13 
— Lessons on from Holy Writ . . 8 

Appeals, of carrying from subordinate lodge 203 

Application for Membership 196-197 

Application for Warrant of African Lodge 59 

Architecture, Order in 162 

Antiquity of 162 

Invention of Order in 148 

Ashler, The Rough .148 

The Perfect 148 

Astronomy .... 166 

Athelstane, King of England 14 

Granted Charter to Prince Edwin 14 

Taught Edwin Masonry . . . . 14 

Granted Charter of Lodge at York, A D. 926 25 

Attendance and Deportment 198 

Auldbrey— Residence of Prince Edwin 25 



INDEX. 275 



Badge of a Mason 137 

Bee Hive, The 179 

Behavior of Masons — As members of a lodge 97 

In the lodge 99 

In their private character 100 

Outside the lodge 100 

Towards a foreign Brother. .... 102 

Book of Constitutions 77 

Brotherly Love 150 

Business— Rules observed in conducting before Grand 

Lodge .... 220-222 

By-Laws — Form of for subordinate lodge 245-249 

a 

Cain, Built a strong city called Dedicate 9 

Instructed in Geometry 9 

Candidates, For Initiation must be proposed by a Brother 194 
Rejected, shall not be eligible until after 12 

months 195 

How proposed 88 

Rights of 89 

Cardinal Virtues, The 151 

Charge at Initiation of Entered Apprentice 153 

at Raising of Fellow Craft 167 

at raising to Master's Degree 187 

Charges, Copy of must be furnished accused 25 

Form of 252-253 

Specifications in 253-254 

Masonic, must be made in writing 252 

Charity 144 

Charter, Fee for 120 

How granted 118-119 

Clouded Canopy, The 144 

Code of By-Laws 245-249 

Colored Men as Masons 57 

Concerning behavior of Masons 97 

Differences and Law Suits . 103 

Constitution of Masonry . . . 77 

Covering of the lodge 144 

3D 

Deacons of a lodge 112 and 214 

The Grand Lodge 127 

Dedicate: City built by Cain 9 

Degree of Entered Apprentice 134 

Denial of Validity of Charges— Form of Answer .... 259 

Denying Jurisdiction in Charges 259 

Deputy Grand Master, His election 123 



27G INDEX. 



Edwin: Organized first English Grand Lodge 14 

Summoned all Masons to meet at York .... 15 

Edward: Rebuilt Westminster Abbey 27 

Election of Officers in subordinate lodges 208 

Entered Apprentice's Degree ... 134 

Entered Apprentices, Cannot receive Masonic Burial . . 265 
Not allowed in Funeral Procession 265 

Euclid, The forty-seventh Problem of 184 

Evergreen, The — An Emblem of Masonic Faith . . . .271 
Eye, The All-Seeing 182 



Fellow Crafts, Cannot be buried with Masonic honors . 215 

Degree 155 

Cannot walk in Funeral Procession ... 11 

Five Senses, The 164 

Form of By-laws for subordinate lodge 245-249 

Form of Petition 133 

Fortitude 152 

Forty-seventh Problem of Euclid 184 

Free-born 87 

Fuller, James E., Grand Master United Grand Lodge . . 76 

Funeral Procession, Form of 267 

Service, The 265-273 

Furniture of a lodge 146 

o- 

Geometry, Synonym of Masonry 5 

The advantages of 164 

The moral advantages of 165 

God and Religion, Of 80 

Government and the Civil Magistrate 81 

Grand Communications 129 

Grand Lodge, How organized 113 

Meetings of 113 

Officers, How elected 121 

Particular business of, The 116 

Particular Regulations of 118 

Succession of officers in 115 

Grand \^itatiOs | 7 . 129 

Ham: Father of Nimrod or Belus . . 10 

Heart, The naked 181 

History of Grand Lodges 50 

Grand Lodge of England 51 

Colored men as Masons 57 

Hour Glass, The 184 



INDEX. 277 



Illustrations of Masonry 134 

Incense, The pot of 179 

Index, 274 

Initiation — Candidates for must be proposed by a member 1 94 
Installation of Officers in Subordinate Lodges . . . 208, 209 
Isaac and Ishmael were taught Masonry by their Pro- 
genitor 11 

Israelites practiced Masonry in Egypt . 11 

J 

Jewels of a lodge 148 

The Immovable . . 148 

The Movable 148 

Jones, James H., Grand Master F. and A. A. Y. M. . . 73 
Justice 152 

ik: 

King Solomon's Temple 174 

Hi 

Law Suits— Masonic duty concerning . . . . 103 

Lights of a lodge . . 146 

Lodge — Ancient manner of constituting a ...... . 94 

— Concerning government of a . 90 

—Definition of a 90 and 193 

Grand, A — Composition of . . 113 and 215 

Meetings of a 113 

Manner of visiting in 117-118 

Officers of— Election and Duties . 113 and 

121-127 
Officers, Succession, order of . . . 115-116 

Particular Regulations of 118 

Powers of 113 

Quorum in 113 

Who admitted in 114 

Lodge— Its meetings 193-194 

Officers of . . 193 

Qualities of members of a ... 90 

Should meet monthly . . v~ . ^ ,. 193 

Should not be incorporated . . Iv. i ..,^ .,[". .. .194 

Tiler of should be paid .". . I . j. . 194 

Tiler of should be skilled Master Mason . . *."' . 194 

nun 

Masonic Trials . - .251 

Masonry: Antiquity of, as derived from Holy Writ ... 8 
Definition of « 5 



278 INDEX. 

Operative 5 

Origin of— Preston's account 6 

Speculative 5 

Master of a lodge: Election, office and duty . 104 and 209-212 

The Grand, How elected 122 

Mason's Degree 170 

Working tools 172 

Meetings of a lodge . . . . . 193 

Melchisedeck: A venerable patron of the Order . . 11 

Membership: Brethren desiring shall apply one month 

before decision can be given ... . 196 
Brethren rejected on application for, may 
apply to any lodge at any time .... 197 

Every lodge to decide its own 197 

Not limited 197 

Methodical Digest . . 191 

Methuselah preserved Art of Masonry 9 

Mizraim: Second son of Ham 10 

Cultivated Masonry in Egypt 11 

Erected the Pyramids in Egypt . . 11 

1ST 

National Grand Lodge formed 67 

Need of Text-Book: Resolution setting out offered in 1882 3 

New members, proposing of 88 

Noah: Progenitor of present race 10 

Noachidae: Dwelt in Land of Shinar 10 

First name of Masons 10 

Name of French Masons 10 

Nimrod: Founded Babylonian Empire 10 

o 

Objects of Masonry 50 

Officers of subordinate lodges, election of 208 

Operative Masonry 5 

Definition of 158 

Objects of 49 

Ornaments of a lodge 146 



Penalties: For Masonic offences 263 

Penalty: To be agreed upon at close of trial 263 

Pennsylvania First Independent African Grand Lodge . 67 

Pennsylvania — Masonry introduced in 1797 66 

Petition: Form of 133 

Portlock, Anthony A. . . ... opposite 69 

First Grand Master in Virginia . . 70 

Pot of Incense, The 179 

Prayer at Funeral Service 272 










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